Smooth Greensnake
Family:
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
A slender, light green snake devoid of any markings, with a yellow or cream-colored belly. This species differs from the northern rough greensnake by having smooth scales, a smaller size, and a more northern distribution in Missouri. Upon death both species of greensnakes turn a pale blue.
Size:
It is 14 to 20 inches (36-51 cm) long.
Habitat and conservation:
This harmless snake will struggle to escape, but it seldom attempts to bite when handled. Due to habitat destruction and insecticides, smooth greensnakes have not been seen in the state for many years.
Foods:
They feed mainly on insects, spiders and slugs.
Distribution in Missouri:
Probably extirpated from Missouri, but this gentle snake may still live in grassy meadows, in scattered counties in the northern half of the state.
Status:
A Species of Conservation Concern; probably extirpated from Missouri. 
Shortened URL
mdc.mo.gov/node/6593
