What is a Rough Green Snake?

The rough green snake, or Opheodrys aestivus, is a bright green reptile found in much of the eastern United States. They live in open forests close to wetlands and rivers. Rough green snakes, also known as grass snakes, typically hunt insects and invertebrates in trees or grass. They hibernate in winter and breed in spring. The snakes have mild temperaments and are not venomous.

The length of the rough green snake ranges from 20 inches to 45 inches (about 51 cm to 114 cm). Females are usually longer than males. They have thin bodies, small heads and long tails.

Rough, or keeled, scales cover the bodies of these snakes. The scales’ texture allows them to slither up shrubs and trees. Bright green scales on the top and sides of the snakes give way to yellow or white scales on their bellies.

The coloring of the rough green snake’s scales helps it blend in with its surroundings so it can hide from predators. These include eastern king snakes, hawks, cats and foxes. This camouflage also keeps it concealed when it hunts for prey in daylight.

Rough green snakes feed mainly on spiders and insects, such as crickets, butterflies, moths and caterpillars. They climb trees to look through overhanging leaves and vegetation. Their large eyes and rapid side-to-side head movements during hunting give them a wider field of vision. When they find prey, they dart toward it, grab it, and eat it whole.

When the weather turns colder, rough green snakes move from the shrubs and trees of their wetland habitats to tunnels and burrows underground. They also stay warm under rocks and piles of debris. They usually emerge from hibernation in April or when the weather begins to warm up again.

Mating occurs during the spring. Female rough green snakes typically lay between four and six eggs during the early part of summer, although they’re capable of producing as many as 14 at a time. The eggs are deposited in tree stumps or beneath rocks or decaying logs. They generally hatch in August or September.

The rough green snake is common in the Mid-Atlantic states and throughout the southeastern United States. Their range extends as far west as Oklahoma and Texas. Although they’re not under federal or state protection, their numbers are declining in certain areas as a result of habitat destruction.

A rough green snake lives to be about 7 years old in the wild. Along with the threat of predators, their habit of hunting in grass puts them at risk of being run over by lawn mowers in residential areas. Some rough green snakes are also captured and sold as pets.

The Rough Green Snake, scientifically known as Opheodrys aestivus, is a non-venomous North American serpent. It's known for its vibrant green coloration, which provides excellent camouflage among the leaves and branches of its habitat. This slender snake primarily feeds on insects and is often found in trees and shrubs near water sources.

Rough Green Snakes are native to the southeastern United States. Their range extends from Florida to New Jersey and as far west as Central Texas. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and marshes, but they are particularly fond of areas with dense vegetation near water bodies.

Rough Green Snakes have a diet that consists mainly of insects and other arthropods. They are adept at hunting in the foliage, where they consume crickets, caterpillars, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Their diet helps control pest populations, making them beneficial to the ecosystem.

Rough Green Snakes mate in the spring, and females lay eggs in early summer. According to herpetological studies, a female can lay anywhere from 2 to 12 eggs, which she deposits in hidden locations like rotting logs or leaf litter. The eggs hatch in late summer, with the young snakes being independent from birth.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Rough Green Snakes are not considered endangered. However, they face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and being collected for the pet trade. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and educating the public about the importance of these snakes in the ecosystem.

Rough Green Snakes are masters of camouflage, with their green coloration blending seamlessly into the foliage. They are also excellent climbers, which allows them to navigate through trees and bushes with ease. Their slender bodies enable them to move through narrow spaces in pursuit of prey, making them well-adapted to their arboreal lifestyle.