Description: The Florida crowned snake is a small, 7 to 9 inches, slender snake that is tan, light brown or reddish brown in color. It has a brown-black head, chin, and parts of the neck. Some individuals have a pattern on the head of a pale band. The band marking may be absent in individuals from north-central Florida. It can also have a dark neck band. The underside can be white, pink or whitish-yellow. The maximum recorded total length of the species is 9.5 inches. The nose may be cream-tan in color in populations found along the Atlantic Coast.

Habitat: The Florida crowned snake is commonly found in north and central Florida, and in sandy habitat areas of the Gulf coast. The species is seen rarely in the southernmost border area of Georgia. It is most often associated with sandy habitats, including Florida sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods and pine hammocks.

Range: The species is commonly found in north and central Florida, and is most often associated with sandy habitats.

Found in these States: FL | GA

Diet: Diet includes worms, snails, spiders, insects and their larvae. The snake has been observed eating beetle larvae. The populations found primarily in Florida have very large rear teeth that possibly direct venom into their prey. The species is harmless to humans.

Reproduction: Very little is known about the reproduction of the Florida crowned snake. The species lays elongated eggs. It is believed that its reproduction is probably similar to the genus Tantilla. It is assumed that the snake lays its eggs from late spring to August.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Subspecies: Three, all in our region:
   Central Florida Crowned Snake - (Tantilla relicta neilli)
   Coastal Dunes Crowned Snake - (Tantilla relicta pamlica)
   Peninsula Crowned Snake - (Tantilla relicta relicta)

Taxonomy: