Flat-headed Snake
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Colubridae Genus: Tantilla
Species: Tantilla gracilis
The Flat-headed Snake is small and brown with a darker colored head, red tongue, and a timid personality. It has a light pink underbelly that can help in distinguishing it from other ground snake species. This snake does not bite, but it may musk, emitting a foul-smelling odor. When held, it will often shove its head into the crevices of its captor’s hands as it looks for an escape route. It spends most of its time underground, but it can be found in gardens or underneath rocks and logs, especially after it has rained. It almost looks like a large earthworm at first glance, and its species name, gracilis, means graceful in Latin.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Can be tan, brown, or reddish in color with a darker head
Size: Ranges from 7 to 12 inches in length
Diet: Includes invertebrates such as scorpions, centipedes, spiders, and various insects
Habitat: Under rocks or logs, especially after a rainstorm
Defensive behavior: Shy and secretive; when harassed, it will freeze, then quickly escape under debris.
Credit source: Inaturalist
