Flat-headed Snake
Tantilla gracilis
A very small, worm-like snake reaching only 7-8 inches in length. It has smooth, diamond-shaped scales and a small, flattened head that is generally darker than the rest…
How to identify
A very small, worm-like snake reaching only 7-8 inches in length. It has smooth, diamond-shaped scales and a small, flattened head that is generally darker than the rest of the body. Its relatively large eyes are set wide apart on the lateral sides of its face. Its dorsum is solid tan, grey, brown, or salmon in color, and its ventrum is unmarked pink or orange.
Range
Found in the central United States, from eastern Kansas, central Missouri, and southwestern Illinois down through Oklahoma, Arkansas, northwestern Louisiana, and most of Texas. Its range barely spills over the border into northeastern Mexico.
Habitat
This species prefers moist environments, and will often be found in gardens and other urban areas. It likes to hide in rock piles or leaf litter in a variety of habitats.
Variations
Rarely, individuals will have a black-capped head.
Similar species
Shares many characteristics with other snakes, including the smooth earth snake (*Virginia valeriae*), southwestern black-headed snake (*Tantilla hobartsmithi*), plains black-headed snake (*Tantilla nigriceps*), Chihuahuan black-headed snake (*Tantilla wilcoxi*), and rough earth snake (*Haldea striatula*). It could also be confused with the Texas blind snake (*Rena dulcis*).
Name and etymology
Gracilis: Latin for graceful.
At a glance
Range
Found in the central United States, from eastern Kansas, central Missouri, and southwestern Illinois down through Oklahoma, A…
Habitat
This species prefers moist environments, and will often be found in gardens and other urban areas. It likes to hide in rock p…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap