NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

Queen Snake

Basic description

Most adult Queensnakes are about 15-24 inches (38-61 cm) in total length. These slender snakes are brownish to olive-green with a yellowish or cream-colored stripe on the lower side of a body. The lip scales are cream-colored and contrast sharply with the rest of the brown head. The scales on the body are dull and strongly keeled (each scale has a prominent raised ridge). Juvenile coloration is similar to that of adults.

brown snake on brown leaves
Queensnake. Photo courtesy of Zach Lim/iNaturalist

Range in Florida

Queensnakes occur in the Panhandle from the Ochlockonee River basin west.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Queensnakes 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: coiled snake with brown stripes. Image 2: brown snake on brown leaves
Striped Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.
Queensnake. Photo courtesy of Zach Lim/iNaturalist

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

two images side by side - Image 1: small black snake with an orange belly. Image 2: brown snake on brown leaves
Black Swampsnake with belly color showing. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Queensnake. Photo courtesy of Zach Lim/iNaturalist

Glossy Swampsnake (Liodytes rigida) Non-venomous Glossy Swampsnakes are glossy brown to olive brown, with a faint dark stripe down the back and down each side. They are relatively thick-bodied.

two images side by side - Image 1: small black snake with yellow belly. Image 2: brown snake on brown leaves
Glossy Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Queensnake. Photo courtesy of Zach Lim/iNaturalist

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 Zach Lim/iNaturalist/CC-BY 4.0. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.