Harmless · North Carolina
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Small green snake with smooth scales, mostly associated with mountain habitats in NC.
At a glance
Size
Usually 14-20 inches.
North Carolina range
Mountains
Habitat
meadows, grassy openings
Diet
Insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Pattern
solid
Venomous
No
How to identify it
Small, slender, bright green snake with smooth scales and a pale belly.
Where to look in North Carolina
Rare in North Carolina and limited to the Mountains.
Grassy openings, meadows, and moist upland edges.
Regional maps show broad physiographic provinces, not county-level records.
Photo guide
Use the gallery to check pattern, body shape, and context—not just overall color.
