| Southeastern Crown Snake | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Tantilla |
| Species: | T. coronata |
| Binomial name | |
| Tantilla coronata Baird & Girard, 1853 |
|
The Southeastern Crown Snake (Tantilla coronata) is a common species of small snake found in the southeastern United States. It has a black head with a yellowish crossbar on the occiput, followed by a black collar 3 to 5 scales wide. The remainder of the dorsum is reddish brown, and the underside is whitish. It has smooth scales in 15 rows and a divided anal plate.[1] Adults average 20-25 cm (8-10 in.) long.[2] It has enlarged grooved teeth at the rear of the upper jaw, and may produce a mild venom which is not dangerous to humans, especially because it never bites when handled. It feeds on small invertebrates such as centipedes and earth-dwelling insect larvae.[3] Females lay eggs in the summer that hatch in the fall.