Flathead Snake

Range

Ozark Plateau, Ouachita Mountains, Coastal Plain, and one known locality from Crowley's Ridge. Absent from Mississippi Delta.

Description

Scales smooth. A small, light brown, tan or red-brown snake with a salmon pink belly. The head is dark brown or gray. Young resemble adults. Adults 7-8 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits

A burrowing snake, it is active from March-October. Found in rocky, open forests or pastures, or in upland mixed pine-hardwood forests. Mating occurs in spring; 1-4 eggs are laid in moist soil under rocks or logs. Eggs hatch August-September. Feeds on scorpions, spiders, centipedes and insect larvae.