Snakes in Delaware: Small State, Big Surprises

Greetings, dear readers. In the small but intriguing state of Delaware, we find ourselves amidst a diverse array of 20 snake species, each with its own unique characteristics and habitats.

From the venomous copperhead to the elusive eastern hognose, these reptiles of Delaware reveal a captivating world that often goes unnoticed. Rest assured, the majority of these serpents are nonvenomous and would rather keep to themselves.

So, let us embark on a journey through the wilds of Delaware, as we uncover the intriguing lives and behaviors of these fascinating creatures that call this state their home.

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Solid black with white chin Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and fast-moving
2	Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)	Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) Color: Black with faint dark blotches Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and semi-arboreal
3	Common Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)	Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches Habitat: Aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, and ponds Behaviour: Nocturnal and semiaquatic
4	Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)	Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) Color: Coppery-brown with reddish-brown or dark hourglass-shaped bands Habitat: Forests, swamps, rocky terrain, and riverside habitats Behaviour: Solitary and primarily nocturnal
5	Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)	Size: 24-72 inches (61-183 cm) Color: Orange or brownish-yellow with red or brown blotches Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and abandoned buildings Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
6	Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)	Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters) Color: Brown, green or gray with three yellow stripes Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
7	Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)	Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Reddish-brown with Y-shaped black-edged white bands Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
8	Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)	Size: Up to 11-14 inches (28-35.5 centimeters) Color: Pink-brown to gray-brown with a pinkish-yellow belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands with moist soil Behaviour: Burrowing, active at night, and secretive
9	Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)	Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) Color: Black or dark brown with white or yellow bands Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts Behaviour: Nocturnal, terrestrial, and good climbers
10	Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi)	Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm) Color: Brown or grayish-brown with a lighter stripe down the back Habitat: Various habitats, including wetlands, forests, and suburban areas Behaviour: Primarily diurnal, hiding under objects during the day and foraging at night
11	Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)	Size: 12-15 inches, rarely up to 24 inches Color: Gray or black with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around the neck Habitat: Woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
12	Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)	Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes Behaviour: Nocturnal and semi-aquatic
13	Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster)	Size: 24-40 inches (61-102 cm) Color: Olive, brown, or gray with a yellow, orange, or red unmarked belly Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, diurnal, and good swimmers
14	Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)	Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) Color: Olive, brown or gray with three stripes and cream or yellowish belly Habitat: Streams, creeks, and other aquatic environments Behaviour: Diurnal, and highly aquatic
15	Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)	Size: 8-16 inches (20-41 cm) Color: Gray or brown with a red or orange belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and wetlands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
16	Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus)	Size: 18-36 inches (45-91 centimeters) Color: Black or dark brown with thin, yellow or white stripes Habitat: Wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and streams Behaviour: Active during day, fast moving, and good swimmer
17	Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)	Size: 22-32 inches (56-81 cm) Color: Bright green with a lighter belly Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources Behaviour: Diurnal, arboreal, and good climbers
18	Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea)	Size: Up to 20-30 inches (50-76 cm) Color: Red or orangish with black bands and a white or yellowish underbelly Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and suburban areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and burrowing
19	Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae)	Size: 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) Color: Brown or gray with a lighter belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and burrow-dwelling
20	Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides Behaviour: Solitary and ambush predator

20 Snakes You Can Find in Delaware

In the state of Delaware, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Delaware, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.

1. Black Racer

The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) is a non-venomous snake species of Delaware reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length, featuring a solid black coloration and a striking white chin. It thrives in an array of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As a diurnal and swift-moving snake, it feeds on rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 12-30, and are currently designated as a species of least concern in terms of conservation status.

2. Black Rat Snake

Pantherophis obsoletus, commonly known as Black Rat Snake, can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long, with a black and dark-blotched coloring. These non-venomous reptiles inhabit forests, grasslands, and urban areas of Delaware, showcasing diurnal and semi-arboreal behavior. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and eggs. Female Black Rat Snakes lay eggs in clutches of 5-30 during the reproduction season. Although not endangered, these snakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations.

3. Common Water Snake

The Common Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous, nocturnal, semiaquatic reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in size. Their brown or gray body has dark bands or blotches as markings. Commonly found in aquatic habitats like lakes, rivers, and ponds, this snake’s diet consists of fish, frogs, and salamanders. It reproduces by giving birth to live young in litters containing 10-40 offspring. Although non-venomous, it can release foul-smelling musk in defense. Its conservation status is of least concern.

4. Copperhead

The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) long, known for its coppery-brown coloring with reddish-brown or dark hourglass-shaped bands. Inhabiting forests, swamps, rocky terrain, and riverside habitats, these solitary and primarily nocturnal creatures prey on rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. Copperheads give live birth to 2-18 young in late summer or early fall. Though venomous, their venom is relatively mild compared to other venomous snakes. Their conservation status is of least concern.

5. Corn Snake

The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a non-venomous North American species, ranging from 24-72 inches in length. Their striking coloration consists of an orange or brownish-yellow base with red or brown blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and abandoned buildings, these nocturnal and terrestrial creatures feed primarily on rodents, birds, and eggs. Corn Snakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 10-30, and have a conservation status of Least Concern.

6. Eastern Garter Snake

The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is a commonly found snake species that can grow up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters) in length. It displays a brown, green, or gray coloration adorned with three yellow stripes. Inhabitants of forests, grasslands, wetlands and urban areas, these diurnal and terrestrial reptiles primarily feed on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. Eastern Garter Snakes reproduce by laying 10-40 eggs per clutch, and although they are mildly venomous, their venom poses little risk to humans. They are currently classified under the least concern category in conservation status.

7. Eastern Milksnake

The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a non-venomous snake that grows up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) in length. It features a reddish-brown color adorned with Y-shaped black-edged white bands. Commonly found in forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas of Delaware, this nocturnal and terrestrial snake primarily consumes rodents, small birds, and reptiles. Eastern Milksnakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-20. Currently, their conservation status is listed as least concern.

8. Eastern Worm Snake

The Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) is a small, non-venomous species, reaching lengths of 11-14 inches (28-35.5 centimeters). It possesses a pink-brown to gray-brown coloration with a distinctive pinkish-yellow belly. This elusive, nocturnal burrower inhabits forests, woodlands, and grasslands with moist soil. Its diet primarily consists of earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates. The Eastern Worm Snake lays egg clutches of 2-8 eggs, and its conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern.”

9. Kingsnake

The Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a strikingly banded reptile found in various habitats, such as forests, grasslands, and deserts. Measuring up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length, they feature black or dark brown scales contrasted by white or yellow bands. As nocturnal, terrestrial creatures, Kingsnakes are also adept climbers. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes. Though non-venomous, their reproduction entails laying 3-24 eggs per clutch. Their conservation status is currently least concern.

10. Northern Brown Snake

The Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) is a non-venomous reptile growing up to 20 inches (51 cm) in length, with a brown or grayish-brown coloration and a lighter stripe down its back. It can be found inhabiting wetlands, forests, and suburban areas across various regions. With primarily diurnal behavior, this snake hides during the day, foraging at night for earthworms, snails, and soft-bodied insects. Mating results in small clutches of 3-30 eggs. Its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.

11. Northern Ringneck Snake

The Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) is a small, mildly venomous snake native to North America, measuring 12-15 inches in length, rarely reaching up to 24 inches. Its body color varies from gray to black and features a distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. The species inhabits woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands, exhibiting nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial behavior. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians. These snakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-10 and pose no threat to humans. Their conservation status is listed as least concern.

12. Northern Water Snake

The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It is characterized by its brown or gray color with dark bands or blotches. This nocturnal and semi-aquatic species can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Northern Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30, and currently have a conservation status of least concern.

13. Plain-bellied Watersnake

The Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster) is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake measuring 24-40 inches (61-102 cm) in length. It features an olive, brown, or gray coloration with a distinct yellow, orange, or red unmarked belly. As adept swimmers, they inhabit rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, with diurnal behavior. Their diet primarily consists of fish, frogs, and other amphibians. These snakes are live-bearing, producing 5-29 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern.

14. Queen Snake

The Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) is a non-venomous reptile growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in length. Often sporting olive, brown, or gray coloration, this snake displays three distinctive stripes and a yellowish belly. It thrives in aquatic habitats such as streams and creeks, and is highly active during the day. Queen Snakes primarily feed on crayfish and other small aquatic invertebrates. They lay eggs in clutches of 4-14, and currently face no significant conservation threats.

15. Red-Bellied Snake

The Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) is a small, non-venomous snake measuring 8-16 inches (20-41 cm) in length. They are gray or brown with a distinctive red or orange belly. Mostly found in forests, woodlands, and wetlands of Delaware, these nocturnal and secretive creatures primarily feed on slugs, snails, and earthworms. As live-bearing reptiles, they produce 4-21 offspring in each litter. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” this terrestrial snake presents no significant threat to humans.

16. Ribbon Snake

The Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus) is a non-venomous species of slender, fast-moving reptile measuring 18-36 inches (45-91 centimeters) in length. Its coloration includes black or dark brown tones with thin, yellow or white stripes. This snake thrives in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and streams. Active during the day, it is a strong swimmer that feeds primarily on amphibians, small fish, and invertebrates. Reproducing through egg-laying, it is currently classified as a species of least concern conservation-wise.

17. Rough Green Snake

The Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) is a vibrant, non-venomous reptile that measures between 22-32 inches (56-81 cm) in length. Its dazzling bright green coloration is accentuated by a lighter belly, making it well-camouflaged in its preferred habitats of forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources. Known for their diurnal, arboreal behavior, these skillful climbers of Delaware primarily consume insects and spiders. Rough Green Snakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-12 eggs, and their conservation status is currently classified as least concern.

18. Scarlet Snake

The Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea) is a non-venomous, nocturnal reptile found in forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. Measuring up to 20-30 inches (50-76 cm) in length, it features striking red or orangish scales with black bands and a white or yellowish underbelly. This burrowing snake has a diet consisting of reptile eggs, small rodents, and lizards. Females lay eggs in clutches of 3-8. With a conservation status of least concern, the Scarlet Snake continues to thrive in its habitats.

19. Smooth Earth Snake

The Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae) is a small, non-venomous reptile measuring 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in length. It has a brown or gray coloration, with a lighter belly, and inhabits forests, woodlands, and grasslands. This secretive, nocturnal snake is known for burrow-dwelling and primarily feasts on earthworms, slugs, and insects. The species is live-bearing, producing 3-10 offspring per litter. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” the Smooth Earth Snake population remains relatively stable.

20. Timber Rattlesnake

The Timber Rattlesnake, scientifically known as Crotalus horridus, is a solitary, ambush predator that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. It comes in various colors, including yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands, and inhabits forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides. Its diet consists of rodents, birds, and small mammals. Unlike most snakes, the Timber Rattlesnake is viviparous, giving birth to 4-14 live young. It possesses hemotoxic venom, and its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.

Nearby States:

• Snakes in Maine
• Snakes in Maryland

Final Words

All the 20 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Delaware. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?

Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.

So, the next time you’re out and about in Delaware, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!

Are the Snakes Found in New Hampshire Also Present in Delaware?

Both New Hampshire and Delaware are home to a variety of snake species, but there are regional differences in their environments. Some species of snakes in nh, such as the Timber Rattlesnake, are not found in Delaware, while common species like the garter snake can inhabit both areas.

Are Snakes from Delaware Legal to Keep as Pets and Where Can I Get Them?

In Delaware, it is legal to keep non-venomous snakes as pets, but certain species may require a permit. The cost of petco snakes in Delaware varies depending on the breed and size. Reputable breeders and exotic pet stores are good places to find snakes as pets.

Resources:

• Snake makes surprise visit, wins friends – UDSpace
• Snake Notes
• Federal Register, Volume 75 Issue 48 (Friday, March 12 …
• Man and Nature in Delaware