Snakes in Virginia: History & Old Dominion Snakes

We all know that Virginia is a haven for a variety of fascinating wildlife, and with its forests, wetlands, and mountains, it’s no surprise that our beloved slithery friends are abundant here. But did you know that there are actually 25 different species of snakes that call Virginia home?

That’s right! From venomous pit vipers to colorful and harmless little garden snakes, there are plenty of opportunities in Virginia for snake lovers to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, some good field guides, and maybe a herpetologist buddy, and let’s explore the dazzling diversity of Virginia’s snakes together.

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Brown Water Snake (Lycodonomorphus rufulus)	Size: Up to 2.6 feet (0.8 meters) Color: Brown with darker bands and a yellow belly Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as streams, ponds, and marshes Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial; often found basking on rocks and logs during daytime
2	Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)	Size: 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) Color: Brown or gray with dark spots Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Terrestrial, nocturnal, and secretive
3	Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.22 meters) Color: Solid black with glossy scales Habitat: Forests, fields, and wetlands Behaviour: Mainly nocturnal and terrestrial
4	Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)	Size: Up to 3 feet (90 centimeters) Color: Reddish-brown with hourglass-shaped bands Habitat: Forests, swamps, and river bottoms Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
5	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
6	Eastern Glossy Swamp Snake (Miriamausia oligospila)	Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm) Color: Glossy black or dark brown with white spots Habitat: Swamps, wetlands, and forests Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive
7	Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)	Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm) Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas Behaviour: Diurnal, known for playing dead when threatened
8	Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Black or dark brown with white or yellow bands Habitat: Forests, wetlands, grasslands, and suburban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
9	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
10	Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Black or dark gray with pale gray, tan, or yellow Habitat: Forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Semi-arboreal, diurnal or nocturnal depending on temperature
11	Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus)	Size: 18-34 inches (45-86 cm) Color: Black, greenish, or brown with three distinct light stripes Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water Behaviour: Active during the day, good swimmers, and skittish
12	Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Dark brown or black with faint banding Habitat: Swamps, marshes, streams, and rivers Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, nocturnal, and aggressive
13	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
14	Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Cream, tan, or gray with dark splotches Habitat: Forests, fields, and sandy areas Behaviour: Primarily terrestrial and fossorial
15	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
16	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
17	Rainbow snake (Farancia erytrogramma)	Size: Up to 5.5 feet (1.67 meters) Color: Black with colorful red or pink stripes Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and rarely seen
18	Red Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Reddish-orange with black-bordered red blotches Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and abandoned buildings Behaviour: Nocturnal and semi-arboreal
19	Red-bellied Mud Snake (Farancia abacura)	Size: Up to 40 inches (102 cm) Color: Black with red or pink belly Habitat: Swamps, bogs, and slow-moving bodies of water Behaviour: Nocturnal and aquatic
20	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
21	Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)	Size: Up to 20 inches (50 cm) Color: Red, black, and yellow or white bands Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and populated areas with cover Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive
22	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
23	Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)	Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) Color: Bright green with a lighter belly Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands Behaviour: Diurnal, terrestrial, and good climbers
24	Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata)	Size: Up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) Color: Blackish-brown with a yellowish-white collar Habitat: Wooded areas, under rocks, logs, or leaf litter Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive
25	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

25 Snakes You Can Find in Virginia

In the state of Virginia, 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 Virginia, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.

1. Brown Water Snake

The Lycodonomorphus rufulus, commonly known as the Brown Water Snake, can grow up to 2.6 feet in length. It is characterized by its brown coloring, darker bands, and a yellow belly. The snake that calls Virginia its home predominantly inhabits aquatic environments such as streams, ponds, and marshes. Although nocturnal and terrestrial, it is often found basking on rocks and logs during daytime. Its diet mainly consists of fish, frogs, and tadpoles. The snake lays eggs in clutches of 9-11, is non-venomous, and is considered to have a conservation status of least concern.

2. Dekay’s Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi, commonly known as Dekay’s Brown Snake, is a small, non-venomous reptile, measuring 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) in length. Its brown or gray body features dark spots, and it inhabits forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas. Exhibiting terrestrial, nocturnal, and secretive behavior, its diet consists primarily of earthworms, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. A fascinating ovoviviparous species, Dekayís Brown Snake gives birth to live young, bearing 3-40 offspring. Its current conservation status is classified as least concern.

3. Eastern Black Kingsnake

The Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) is a non-venomous species that can grow up to 4 feet (1.22 meters) in length. This snake is characterized by its solid black coloration and glossy scales. Commonly found in forests, fields, and wetlands, it is mainly a nocturnal and terrestrial creature. Its diet consists of rodents, birds, amphibians, and other snakes. Females lay eggs in clutches of 3-24, and the species has a conservation status of ‘Least Concern.’

4. Eastern Copperhead

The Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake that can grow up to 3 feet (90cm) in length. Its distinctive reddish-brown body features hourglass-shaped bands and prefers habitats such as forests, swamps, and river bottoms of Virginia. These nocturnal, terrestrial creatures primarily feed on small rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. Eastern Copperheads are live-bearing, with litters ranging from 2-18 young. Their hemotoxic venom can be dangerous, but their conservation status is considered least concern.

5. 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.

6. Eastern Glossy Swamp Snake

Miriamausia oligospila, commonly known as the Eastern Glossy Swamp Snake, is a mildly venomous reptile reaching up to 30 inches (76 cm) in length. With a glossy black or dark brown body adorned with white spots, this nocturnal and secretive snake inhabits swamps, wetlands, and forests. Preying primarily on frogs, fish, and tadpoles, it lays up to 12 eggs per clutch during reproduction. Though its venom poses no significant threat to humans, its conservation status remains unassessed.

7. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a moderately-sized serpent, reaching lengths of 20-33 inches (51-84 cm). Its coloration is highly variable, typically exhibiting brown or gray hues with dark blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas, this diurnal snake is known for playing dead when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of toads, along with other amphibians and small mammals. It reproduces by laying 4-60 eggs per clutch, has mild venom harmless to humans, and is classified as of “Least Concern” in conservation efforts.

8. Eastern Kingsnake

The Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a non-venomous snake, reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. Its black or dark brown body features white or yellow bands. Commonly found in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and suburban areas, these diurnal and terrestrial snakes are known for their diverse diet, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Eastern Kingsnakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-24 eggs. They are relatively unthreatened, maintaining a conservation status of “Least Concern.”

9. 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 Virginia, 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.

10. Eastern Rat Snake

The Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is a large, non-venomous reptile that can reach 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They have a black or dark gray color with patches of pale gray, tan, or yellow. Found in forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas, these semi-arboreal snakes have diurnal or nocturnal behavior depending on temperature. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Eastern Rat Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 5-27 and have a conservation status marked as “Least Concern.”

11. Eastern Ribbon Snake

The Eastern Ribbon Snake, scientifically known as Thamnophis sauritus sauritus, is a non-venomous reptile measuring 18-34 inches (45-86 cm). It inhabits wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water and features a distinctive black, greenish, or brown color with three light stripes. Known for their daytime activity and skittish behavior, these snakes are excellent swimmers with a diet comprising frogs, toads, small fish, and insects. They reproduce by laying 3-27 eggs, sometimes communally with other snakes. Their conservation status is of least concern.

12. Northern Cottonmouth

The Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a dark brown or black venomous snake, reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). It features faint banding and inhabits swamps, marshes, streams, and rivers. As a semi-aquatic, nocturnal, and aggressive creature, it primarily preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals. This snake is live-bearing, producing litters of 1-16 young. Its hemotoxic venom is potent but poses a low risk to humans, as it is classified under the least concern conservation status.

13. 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.

14. Pine Snake

The Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) is a large, non-venomous reptile that can reach up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. Its primary colors include cream, tan, and gray with dark splotches. Native to forests, fields, and sandy areas, they are primarily terrestrial and fossorial creatures. Pine Snakes feed on rodents and small mammals, and occasionally birds and eggs. They reproduce by laying egg clutches, consisting of 3-24 eggs. Pine Snake’s conservation status is listed as least concern.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Rainbow snake

The Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma) is a colorful, non-venomous aquatic serpent, growing up to 5.5 feet (1.67 meters) in length. Boasting a sleek black body with vibrant red or pink stripes, it is commonly found in rivers, lakes, and swamps. This secretive, nocturnal snake feeds primarily on eels and other small fish. Rainbow Snakes lay eggs in clutches of 10-20, and despite their elusive nature, are considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status.

18. Red Corn Snake

The Red Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus), also known as the Red Rat Snake, is a non-venomous snake species with a reddish-orange color and distinct black-bordered red blotches. It can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), inhabiting various environments, including forests, grasslands, and abandoned buildings. These nocturnal, semi-arboreal creatures primarily feed on rodents, birds, and eggs. Corn snakes reproduce by laying 10-30 eggs in clutches and are currently deemed a species of least concern in conservation status.

19. Red-bellied Mud Snake

The Red-bellied Mud Snake (Farancia abacura) is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 40 inches (102 cm) long. These snakes are characterized by their striking black coloration and vibrant red or pink belly. Typically found in swamps, bogs, and slow-moving bodies of water, they are nocturnal and skilled swimmers with a diet primarily consisting of amphibians, especially salamanders. Red-bellied Mud Snakes are oviparous, producing 4-14 eggs per clutch. Currently, their conservation status is listed as least concern.

20. 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 Virginia 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.

21. Scarlet Kingsnake

The Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) is a strikingly colored serpent, growing up to 20 inches (50 cm) long with vivid red, black, and yellow or white bands. Inhabiting forests, woodlands, and populated areas offering cover, this nocturnal and secretive snake primarily preys on small reptiles and amphibians, particularly lizards and skinks. Non-venomous and laying eggs in clutches of 3-12, the Scarlet Kingsnake is currently categorized as “least concern” in terms of conservation status.

22. 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.

23. Smooth Green Snake

The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) measures 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) and is characterized by its vibrant green color and lighter belly. Commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, this diurnal and terrestrial reptile is an adept climber. Its diet mainly consists of insects and spiders. In terms of reproduction, they lay eggs in clutches of 3-12. Though non-venomous, these snakes should be admired from afar. Fortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as ‘Least Concern.’

24. Southeastern Crowned Snake

The Southeastern Crowned Snake (Tantilla coronata) is a small, non-venomous serpent, which measures up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length. Sporting a blackish-brown body with a distinct yellowish-white collar, these reptiles inhabit wooded areas, hiding beneath rocks, logs, and leaf litter. Characterized by their nocturnal and secretive behavior, they primarily feed on centipedes, beetle larvae, and small insects. Southeastern Crowned Snakes reproduce by laying clutches of 2-4 eggs, and their conservation status is marked as Least Concern.

25. 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 West Virginia
• Snakes in Alabama

Final Words

All the 25 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Virginia. 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 Virginia, 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 types of snakes found in Virginia and New York similar?

Yes, the types of snakes found in Virginia and New York are quite similar. Both states are home to a variety of snake species, including the eastern garter snake, black rat snake, and northern copperhead. So, if you’re interested in snakes in new york, you’ll find some familiar species in Virginia as well.

Resources:

• Your Guide to Snakes in Fairfax County | News Center
• A Day in the Life of York River State Park: Speaking …
• Snakes are slimy and poisonous and other myths debunked
• Living with Snakes | Norton, VA – Official Website