Rick Owen photo.

Scientific name: Tantilla relicta neilli

Description: Average adult size is 7-9 inches (17.7-22.8 cm), record is 9.5 inches (24.1 cm). Adults are tannish with a black head, chin, and back of neck. There is a light spot on the sides of the lower neck. The belly is uniform whitish-yellow. The scales are smooth, and there are 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juveniles are similar to that of adults.

Central Florida crowned snake: Left to right: Top view of head; underside (chin and throat) view of head.

Central Florida crowned snake: Left to right: Side view of head; front (face) view of head.

Range: In Florida, it occurs from Madison Co. in the northern peninsula south to Hillsborough Co. in the central peninsula. It is not found outside of Florida.

Habitat: Locally abundant, commonly found in well-drained sandhills and hammocks.

Comments: . The central Florida crowned snake is a terrestrial burrower, mainly found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other debris. It has also been reported to occupy pocket gopher and gopher tortoise burrows.

It feeds on insect larvae, snails, and centipedes.

It lays eggs. No specific data have been reported, reproduction is believed to be similar to the southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata).

Comparison with other species: The peninsula crowned snake (Tantilla relicta relicta) has a light band on the back of the head. The Florida brown snake (Storeria dekayi victa) is grayish-brown with a light mid-dorsal stripe and flecking on each side. The southern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus) is black with a bright yellow-orange belly with black spots.

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