The Southeastern crown snake (Tantilla coronata) is a common species of small colubrid snake. It is endemic to the southeastern United States. In most areas of its range, the Southeastern crown snake is not considered to be a conservation risk. However, in Indiana, this snake is listed as an endangered species.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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InsectivoresAn insectivore is a carnivorous plant or animal that eats insects. An alternative term is entomophage, which also refers to the human practice of e...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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HibernatingHibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy charac...
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starts withThe Southeastern crown snake is a small, slender snake, greyish-brown or solid light brown in color. It has a black, pointed head with a yellowish or cream band between the head and the neck. This is followed by a black collar 3 to 5 scales wide. The remainder of the back is reddish brown. The belly is light pink or solid white. It has smooth dorsal scales in 15 rows and a divided anal plate.
These snakes are found in Alabama, northwestern Florida, Georgia, extreme southern Indiana, western Kentucky, eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and south-central Virginia. They are usually found in both damp and dry woodland habitats. The largest populations of the species are found in areas with sandy or loose soils and plentiful organic litter.
Southeastern crown snakes are active during the day during the warmer months of the year. They are secretive creatures and usually hide underneath rocks, logs, and organic litter. They hibernate during the coldest months of winter but are active beneath debris on warm winter days. These snakes are terrestrial and travel overland at night, generally during early evening hours. They are considered skilled burrowers in sandy soil and appear to "swim" in the sand when attempting to escape capture. These snakes do not bite when captured, but release a foul-smelling musk from their scent glands.
Southeastern crown snakes are carnivores, mainly insectivores. They feed on several kinds of small prey, including termites, worms, centipedes, earth-dwelling insect larvae, and spiders. In the back of their jaw are small, chiseled fangs that are used to inject venom into their prey; however, they are assumed to be non-venomous to humans.
Southeastern crown snakes mate in the months from spring through fall. Females that mate in the fall store sperm until the following spring. Females lay their eggs typically in June and July. The clutch contains 1-3 eggs which hatch in the fall.
Southeastern crown snakes are not considered threatened at present. However, damage or destruction to their forested habitats will affect the future population of the species.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Southeastern crown snake total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
