Florida's Snakes thumbnail photo of snake identification guide cover

Eastern Ribbonsnake
(Thamnophis sauritus)

NON-VENOMOUS

stripes icon
Striped


Eastern Ribbonsnake

Photo of eastern ribbonsnake showing extremely slender, striped body

close up photo of eastern ribbonsnake head showing distinct whitish spot in front of the eye

 Photos by Dr. Steve A. Johnson (UF). These photos may not be used without the express written permission of the photographer

Size:

Usually 1.5 – 2 ft. (max. ~3 ft.)

Identification:

Extremely slender body is dark olive-brown or black. Back is marked with three yellow-tan stripes. The stripe down the spine may be faint or absent, and stripes on the sides may be whitish, bluish-gray, or blue. Chin, throat, and belly are pale yellowish, and there is a distinct whitish spot in front of each eye. Scales have lengthwise ridges (keels). This snake gives birth to live young (does not lay eggs).

Habitats:

Found throughout Florida in a wide variety of forested and open habitats, including agricultural areas and urban parks. It is usually found near the edge of creeks, lakes, ponds, and marshes.

Diet:

earthworms, insects, fish, tadpoles, frogs, toads

map showing that eastern ribbonsnakes are found throughout Florida

Map by Monica E. McGarrity - may be used freely for education.


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