NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

None

Basic description

Most adult Southeastern Crowned Snakes are about 8-10 inches (20-26 cm) in total length. These small and thin snakes are tan to reddish brown with a black head. There is a light-colored band across the back of the head and a black band extending onto the back of the neck. Hatchlings are grayish in coloration and have darker heads than adults.

small brown snake with yellow ring around neck
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/iNaturalist

Range

Southeastern Crowned Snakes are found in the Panhandle east to Leon County.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-Venomous. Southeastern 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: black snake coiled to show orange belly. Image 2: small brown snake with pale yellow ring around neck
Ring-necked Snake showing belly pattern. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/iNaturalist

Rough Earthsnake (Haldea striatula) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: brown snake coiled on a log. Image 2: small brown snake with pale yellow ring around neck
Rough Earthsnake. Photo courtesy J.D. Wilson
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/iNaturalist

Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: small brown snake on fiber. Image 2: small brown snake with pale yellow ring around neck
Dekay’s Brownsnake. Photo courtesy mariapierce/iNaturalist
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/iNaturalist

Florida Brownsnake (Storeria victa) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: small brown snake with tan under neck. Image 2: small brown snake with pale yellow ring around neck
Florida Brownsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/iNaturalist

Florida Crowned Snake (Tantilla relicta) Non-venomous

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

Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) Non-venomous

two images side by side - Image 1: pale gray striped snake. Image 2: small brown snake with pale yellow ring around neck
Smooth Earthsnake. Photo courtesy of cassiethegardener/iNaturalist
Southeastern Crowned Snake. Photo courtesy of jeffweinell/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 jeffweinell/iNaturalist/CC-BY 4.0. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.