When Maine is mention , many the great unwashed directly conceive of its beautiful beaches , historical lighthouses , and sweet seafood . However , few know that this State Department is also home to a variety of diverse and intriguing snake in the grass species .
From heavy timberland to pristine wetland , snakes in Maine toy a crucial role in the local ecosystem . This article will explore the characteristics and identification of the 10 mostcommon snake speciesfound in Maine .
Different Types of Snakes in Maine
Ring-Necked Snake
tintinnabulation - necked snake ( Diadophis punctatus ) are widely deal throughout Maine , with the elision of the northernmost regions . These small , non - venomous snake can grow up to 18 inches ( 46 cm ) in duration . They exhibit a miscellanea of colors , including solid dark-brown , blue - gray-headed , bleak , or olive , and are mark by their outstanding neckband , which can be yellow-bellied , yellow - orange , or red . The head of the Ring - necked Snake is typically dour than the eternal rest of the consistence , heighten the contrast with the colored neckband .
A renowned feature article of this specie is their ventral practice , which consist of a crimson or yellow - orange tree stomach adorned with crescent - shaped disastrous blot along the allowance . This pattern adds to their distinctive visual aspect and can aid in identification . Ring - necked Snakes favour moist environments and are often notice under log , rocks , or in leaf litter . Their orientation for concealing and their comparatively lowly size of it make them less probable to be seen , but their alone coloration and form help oneself in recognize them when see .
Dekay’s Brown Snake
DeKay ’s Brown Snake ( Storeria dekayi ) is a minuscule species commonly found in southwestern Maine . These snake typically grow to a maximal length of 12 in ( 30 curium ) and are characterized by their gray to brown colouration . A distinctive feature of DeKay ’s Brown Snake is a subtle primal stripe running along the length of its body , which is bordered by black spots . This grade insignia is often not very prominent , but it provides a primal identifying trait .
The adaxial side of the ophidian is lightheaded brown or pink , with little window pane located at the end of their adaxial plate . These dots can be another helpful characteristic when key out the mintage . DeKay ’s Brown Snakes are often found in foliage litter , under rocks , or in moist , shaded sphere where they can easily hide . Their lowly sizing and mystifying coloration help them immingle into their surroundings , making them less conspicuous to potential predators and observers likewise .
Common Garter Snake
CommonGarter Snakes(Thamnophis sirtalis ) are widely found throughout Maine and can reach duration of up to four feet ( 1.2 meters ) . These snakes exhibit a wide range of colors , include blue , gold , red , orange , black , browned , and unripened , making them quite various in appearance . Their coloration can deviate significantly among individuals , with some displaying striking pattern of stripes or spots .
Typically , Common Garter Snakes are most active during the mornings and later afternoons , when they are seen run for prey or basking in the sun . They are social creatures and often portion out dens with other supporter snakes , particularly during hibernation period . Despite being non - poisonous to humans , they possess a mild toxic venom that can cause allergic chemical reaction such as swelling , burn , and itching if bitten .
These snakes favor home ground like timberland , meadow , and area near urine , where they find ample intellectual nourishment and worthy conditions for protection .
Northern American Racer
The Northern American Racer ( Coluber constrictor ) , also known as the blackened race car , is a swift and agile snake find out mainly in the southern realm of Maine , where it is considered peril . These snakes can grow up to five feet in distance and are noted for their sleek , bleak or bluish - bootleg coloration . Their bellies are idle , often disconsolate gray or blue , and juveniles depart with a light color that darken as they grow .
A tell apart feature of the Northern American Racer is its blank pharynx and chin , which counterpoint with the darker colour of the residual of the body . They are harmless to man , though their speed and lightness can make them challenging to honor in the natural state . Active primarily during the day , these snake prefer open home ground such as fields , pastures , and the edges of forests , where they can trace and bask .
Ribbon Snake
The Ribbon Snake ( Thamnophis saurita ) is a non - venomous species commonly found in the central and southern regions of Maine . This slim snake can develop up to 35 inches ( 89 cm ) long and is well recognisable by its moody brown body with a distinct xanthous stripe escape along its length .
Ribbon Snakes are semi - aquatic , expand in high - vegetation areas near marshes , streams , lakes , and rivers . They are expert swimmers andoften take to the waterto turn tail potential threats . When approached , thesesnakes will fleetly dive into the waterand swim out . Their preference for moist home ground and their characteristic lily-livered bar make them comparatively prosperous to describe in their natural surroundings .
Eastern Milk Snake
The Eastern Milk Snake ( Lampropeltis Triangle ) is a spectacular species found in the central and southerly regions of Maine . These snake can reach lengths of up to 36 inches ( 91 cm ) and are distinguished by their smooth , shiny scales . Their coloration typically feature a brownish base with black borders , and some soul exhibit crimson or reddish - chocolate-brown areas . A key identifying feature is the pattern of up to five dark - bordered dark-brown patch running along the Hydra ’s body , set against a ground that can be tan or gray . Additionally , Eastern Milk Snakes have a distinctiveblack and whitecheckered practice on their stomach .
These snake are lie with for their gentle nature , which makes them popular among reptile enthusiasts . Due to their attractive appearance and manageable disposition , Eastern Milk Snakes are oft multiply in captivity and are a rough-cut alternative in the pet trade . Their wide-ranging coloration and design , combine with their serene disposition , make them comparatively easy to identify and plow , whether in the wild or in imprisonment .
Smooth Green Snake
Smooth Green Snakes ( Opheodrys vernalis ) are little , svelte ophidian set up in the primal , southerly , and eastern regions of Maine . These snakes typically reach a distance of up to 26 in ( 66 cm ) and are take down for their striking light unripened coloration . Their politic , shiny scale contribute to their distinct appearing , and their belly is usuallywhite or yellow-bellied , providing a pleasing direct contrast to their gullible dorsal side .
Juvenile Smooth Green Snakes start out with an Olea europaea green or brown chromaticity , which gradually change to their characteristic putting green as they mature through their first shed . An interesting feature of these snake is their red knife with a bleak tip , which they apply to detect scents by flicking it in and out of their mouth . This conduct helps them smell out their surroundings and locate prey . Their smooth scales , vibrant green coloring , and unique tongue make them easily placeable , though their low size and tightlipped nature mean they are often omit in their natural habitats .
Common Watersnake
The Common Watersnake ( Nerodia sipedon ) is a widespread species found in the southern , easterly , and central regions of Maine . These snakes can reach length of up to 4 feet 5 inches ( 135 cm ) and exhibit a various range of colors and patterns . Their body coloration can vary importantly , including refinement of blood-red , mordant , brown , grey , or a combination of these colors . They often display dark crossbands around their neck opening and dark fleck along their body , contributing to their distinctive show .
The paunch of the Common Watersnake can be gray , icteric , or whitened , frequently mark with red or shameful crescent - forge practice . This variability in coloration and shape help them blend into their aquatic surroundings , such as swamps , marshes , and slow - motivate rivers . Despite their potentially intimidating coming into court , Common Watersnakes are completely harmless to humanity .
Red-Bellied Snake
The Red - bellied Snake ( Storeria occipitomaculata ) is a species found throughout Maine , though it is less vernacular in the northmost regions . Thesesmall snakestypically hit a length of up to 12 column inch ( 31 centimetre ) and display a range of colors , include olive , tan , chestnut tree , gray , shameful , or brown . One of their most distinctive feature film is the three yellow spots on their head , which stand out against their wide-ranging body people of color .
Their belly is striking coral to brick red , creating a brilliant dividing line with their dorsal colour . The ophidian ’s body often feature a striped pattern , formed by varying shades of its primary color . Red - bellied Snakes are known for their preference for dampish habitats such as gardens , forest , wetland , and heyday bed . They are usually found hiding under tilt and logs in these area , which provide shelter and maintain the humidness they require .
