Single row of dark brown or red dorsal blotches outlined in black Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum (Eastern Milk Snake) Lampropeltis triangulum syspila (Red Milk Snake) Indiana is home to two of them, including Eastern Milk Snakes like the one pictured. Milk Snakes There are 24 recognized subspecies of Milk Snake. Here’s a generalized list of the five most common types of snakes you might see across the entire state. The Eastern Garter Snake probably takes the spot for the most common species across the state. The common snakes in Indiana that you’ll find depend on where you are in the state and the type of habitat you’re exploring.
![coluber constrictor foxii coluber constrictor foxii](https://live.staticflickr.com/8119/8750913621_2ab1a43ed0_b.jpg)
One row of brown dorsal blotches and three alternating rows of lateral dark blotches on each side Scientific Name:īroad, dark stripe along the side of the head and through the eye Hershey’s kiss shaped lateral pattern that’s widest at the bottom and narrow towards the spineĮastern Massasauga Rattlesnake The rattle of an Eastern Massasauga’s tail is barely audible. Scientific Name:īase color ranges from light gray to reddish-brown Northern Copperhead None of Indiana’s harmless snakes have similar bands which are more narrow at the top part, as seen here. Old adults may appear uniformly black or dark brown. Pixelated, dark-colored lateral bands widest near the belly and narrow towards the spine Scientific Name:īase color ranges from light tan to nearly black Western Cottonmouth Cottonmouths, also known as Water Moccasins, are named after their tendency to open their cotton-white mouths as a defensive tactic. Scientific Name:īlack chevron pattern, light orange-brown dorsal stripeīase color starts light brown or gray at the head, and gradually darkens to black towards the tail Timber Rattlesnake Bright yellow Timber Rattlesnakes, also known as Canebrake Rattlesnakes, are a somewhat common color variation in Indiana. Heat-sensing pits between the nostrils and eyes.With a bit of reptile education, differentiating pit vipers from most North American colubrids is straightforward. Quickly Identifying Venomous Snakes in IndianaĪ snake’s pattern isn’t always a reliable way to identify venomous snakes because many harmless snakes mimic the appearance of venomous snakes to deter predators. Unique Characteristics – are there any distinctive features, like the upturned snout of the Eastern Hognose Snake?.There are blue, green, red, brown, and black snakes in Indiana. Color and Pattern – Indiana is home to blotched, banded, patternless, and striped snakes.Pupil Shape – are they round or elliptical?.Scales – are they rough, bumpy, sharp, smooth, or glossy?.Size – is the snake long or short? Is its body thin or stout?.Here are some key features to look for when attempting to identify any wild snake: This identification guide is for Indiana snakes only. Sometimes, the same snake species can look different depending on the state it lives in. Snakes inhabit every corner of the state, from open fields to rocky glades.Many Indiana snake species look similar and are hard to differentiate.
![coluber constrictor foxii coluber constrictor foxii](http://www.naherp.com/vouchers/326131-425425.jpg)