Exploring Pine Woods Snakes: Characteristics and Attractions of Snakes in Pine Forests
Rhadinaea flavilata
Description: The pine woods snake is small with a shiny golden-brown to reddish-brown back. A faint dark stripe along the center of the back may be seen on this snake. The head of the pine woods snake is dark with a dark line running through the eye. The lip scales above the mouth are usually yellow, giving this snake the name “yellow-lipped snake.” Pine woods snakes’ bellies are white or yellowish.
Feeding/Diet: The pine woods snake has small fangs in the rear of the mouth and injects venom into its prey—usually small frogs and lizards.
Habitat/Range: It inhabits pine flatwoods and oak forests and is often found in rotting logs or under loose bark.
Reproduction: This snake lays 2–4 eggs during the summer.
Miscellaneous: This snake is harmless to humans.
