Rim Rock Crowned Snake
Tantilla oolitica
A small, slender snake with smooth scales and a short, blunt snout. It has a black collar on the dorsal surface of its neck, a grey head, and the rest of its body is typi…
How to identify
A small, slender snake with smooth scales and a short, blunt snout. It has a black collar on the dorsal surface of its neck, a grey head, and the rest of its body is typically a solid dark salmon color. It has a small, flattened head, and averages 6-9 inches in total length. Its ventrum is unpatterned and pinkish white.
Range
Native to southeastern Florida; specifically Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys.
Habitat
This rare species is found in hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods, in areas with rocky and sandy substrate. It will occasionally be found in rock crevices or under shrubs in suburban habitats.
Variations
Some have a light or dark tan body, rather than the salmon coloration.
Similar species
Within its range, this snake is not likely to be confused with any other species. It does resemble the southeastern crowned snake (*Tantilla coronata*), plains black-headed snake (*Tantilla nigriceps*), and flat-headed snake (*Tantilla gracilis*), which are all found outside of the Florida peninsula.
Name and etymology
Genus
Tantilla
Latin for something small and insignificant.
Origin
Sources
- Baird and Girard, 1853. Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, p. 131 ↗
Tantilla. Baird and Girard, 1853 - Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, p. 131
Species epithet
oolitica
Greek for egg (oon) rock (lithos), referencing its habitat.
Origin
Sources
- Telford, 1966. Bull. Florida State Mus. Biol. Sci., Vol. 10, No. 7, p. 281
Tantilla oolitica. Telford, 1966 - Bull. Florida State Mus. Biol. Sci., Vol. 10, No. 7, p. 281
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Native to southeastern Florida; specifically Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys.
Habitat
This rare species is found in hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods, in areas with rocky and sandy substrate. It will occasion…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap