Southeastern Crowned Snake
Tantilla coronata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Tantilla, Species: T. coronata
Southeastern United States, from Virginia south to northern Florida, and west to the Mississippi River (including parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky).
Look up Southeastern Crowned Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Mildly venomous (opisthoglyphous/rear-fanged); however, they are considered harmless to humans.
Danger Level
Harmless; they rarely bite humans even when handled, and their mouths are too small to deliver venom effectively to a person.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Tantilla, Species: T. coronata
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). While generally stable, they are sensitive to habitat loss and the use of pesticides that reduce their prey base.
Physical Description
A small, slender snake with smooth scales. The body is tan, reddish-brown, or greyish-brown. The head is noticeably darker (black or dark brown) with a distinct pale band (the 'crown') separating the dark head from a dark collar on the neck. Eyes are small with round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be an adult, approximately 8-10 inches long. The species typically ranges from 8 to 13 inches (20-33 cm) in total length.
Habitat
Found in terrestrial habitats with loose, sandy soils or organic litter. Prefers pine flatwoods, dry hillsides, and hardwood hammocks. Highly fossorial, spending most of its time underground or under logs and debris.
Behavior & Temperament
Secretive and docile. These snakes are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular and are rarely seen on the surface unless disturbed. Their primary defense is to hide or remain still.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized diet consisting primarily of centipedes, but they also consume insect larvae and spiders. They use mild venom and chewing motions to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females typically lay a clutch of 1 to 3 elongated eggs during the summer months (June-August).
Venom Profile
The venom is specialized for small invertebrates (like centipedes) and is not medically significant to humans.
Look-alikes
Similar to the Flat-headed Snake (Tantilla gracilis), which lacks the distinct dark collar, and the Florida Crowned Snake (Tantilla relicta), which has a different head pattern. Also occasionally confused with juvenile Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus).
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). While generally stable, they are sensitive to habitat loss and the use of pesticides that reduce their prey base.
Cultural Significance
Ecologically significant as a predator of centipedes, helping to control invertebrate populations in southeastern forests. Known among herpetologists as a indicator of healthy leaf-litter ecosystems.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the 'crown'—the pale yellowish or white band between the black head and the black neck ring. One of the smallest snake species in the United States.