Florida's Snakes
Eastern Ribbonsnake
(Thamnophis sauritus)NON-VENOMOUS
Striped
Eastern Ribbonsnake
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 by Monica E. McGarrity - may be used freely for education.