Description: slender snake that is tan or light brown with a black head, chin, and back of neck. A light spot occurs on each side of the lower neck, and the belly is uniform whitish-yellow. Scales are smooth, and the anal plate is divided. This species is most easily distinguished from the similar southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata) by geographic range and by lack of a distinct, unbroken light ring on the back of the neck.

Habitat: The Florida crowned snake is commonly found in north and central Florida, and in sandy habitat areas of the Gulf coast.

Range: They are endemic to the southeastern coast of Florida from Brevard to Palm Beach County, unlike the other subspecies T.r. relicta and T. r. neilli which can be found from the south-central part of the peninsula northward.

Found in these States: FL

Diet: Diet includes worms, snails, spiders, insects and their larvae. The snake has been observed eating beetle larvae.

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.

Taxonomy: