NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

None

Basic description

Most adult Florida Crowned Snakes are about 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in total length. These small and thin snakes are tan to reddish brown with a dark brown or black head and neck. Juveniles are similar in coloration to adults.

Range in Florida

Florida Crowned Snakes are found in several areas throughout peninsular Florida, and some populations appear to be isolated from others. They do not occur in the Panhandle or in extreme Southern Florida, and they are absent from the Florida Keys. See the distributions of the three subspecies below for more detailed range information.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Florida Crowned Snakes are not dangerous to people or pets even though they do produce a mild venom that is used for subduing prey. The venom is delivered by two slightly enlarged grooved teeth at the back of the upper jaw. However, these snakes are not aggressive and do not bite even in defense.

Comparison with other species

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctata) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Ring-necked snake black snake coiled to show orange belly. Image 2: Florida Crowned Snake, small pink snake with brown head
Ring-necked Snake showing belly pattern. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Florida Crowned Snake, subspecies T. r. relicta. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Rough Earthsnake (Haldea striatula) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Rough Earthsnake. brown snake coiled on a log. Image 2: Florida Crowned Snake, small pink snake with brown head
Florida Crowned Snake, subspecies T. r. relicta. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.
Rough Earthsnake. Photo courtesy J.D. Wilson

Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Dekay's Brownsnake - small brown snake on fiber. Image 2: Florida Crowned Snake, small pink snake with brown head
Florida Crowned Snake, subspecies T. r. relicta. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist

Florida Brownsnake (Storeria victa) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Florida Brownsnake - small brown snake with tan under neck. Image 2: Florida Crowned Snake, small pink snake with brown head
Florida Brownsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Florida Crowned Snake, subspecies T. r. relicta. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Southeastern Crowned Snake - small brown snake with pale yellow ring around neck. Image 2: Florida Crowned Snake, small pink snake with brown head
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/iNaturalist
Florida Crowned Snake, subspecies T. r. relicta. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: Smooth Earthsnake - gray snake with light lines. Image 2: Florida Crowned Snake, small pink snake with brown head
Smooth Earthsnake. Photo courtesy of cassiethegardener/iNaturalist
Florida Crowned Snake, subspecies T. r. relicta. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Share your observations

You can help scientists better understand the biology and distribution of this species by sharing your observations. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museum’s Herpetology Master Database. You can also post your observations on iNaturalist.

Additional helpful information

Do you have snakes around your house? Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes.

Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile.

Banner photo courtesy of Todd Pierson. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.