Missouri Master Naturalists- Springfield Plateau Chapter

Monday, June 17, 2024

Rough Greensnake


This weekend, Noppadol Paothong brought his family to the creek and they spotted this Northern Rough Greensnake in a tree right by our house on Bull Creek.  Even knowing it was there it took me a minute to find it, and it was even harder to photograph.  You can see it in action in this video.  In addition to its coloration and the difficulty finding it even when it was pointed out to me, I was amazed with its climbing ability.  Once I saw it stretched out seven inches into space, reaching for another branch.

Information on almost any animal, insect or plant in Missouri is available through MDC.  Simply search the topic name followed by MDC.  In this case I entered "greensnake MDC" although even "green snake MDC" also works.  Here is the site that comes up.  They not only have pictures but frequently usually show similar species as well as lifecycle, food, and connections with nature and humans.  

It is hot and humid so I will leave you with this while I go out to see if I can f.ind it again.