NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

Eastern Glossy Swampsnake, Gulf Swampsnake, Glossy Crayfish Snake

Basic description

Most adult Glossy Swampsnakes are about 14-24 inches (36-61 cm) in total length. These small snakes are glossy brown to olive brown, and there may be a faint dark stripe down the back and down each side. The eyes are relatively large. The lip scales are yellow and contrast sharply with the brownish-olive color of the head. Juveniles are similar to that of adults.

Range in Florida

Glossy Swampsnakes occur from Osceola County in the central peninsula northwest into the Panhandle.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Glossy Swampsnakes are not dangerous to people or pets.

Comparison with other species

Striped Swampsnake (Liodytes alleni) Non-venomous Striped Swampsnakes have an unpatterned belly and smooth scales on the body.

two images side by side - Image 1: Striped Swampsnake. coiled snake with brown stripes. Image 2: Glossy Swampsnake small black snake with yellow belly.
Striped Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.
Glossy Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.

Black Swampsnake (Liodytes pygaea) Non-venomous Black Swampsnakes are glossy black with bright red bellies.

two images side by side - Image 1: Black Swampsnake small black snake with an orange belly. Image 2: Glossy Swampsnake small black snake with yellow belly.
Black Swampsnake with belly color showing. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Glossy Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.

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 Luke Smith. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.