There are more than fifty different types of Florida snakes. Among them, not many are venomous but there are quite a few that one must always be aware of and stay away from. Some of the Florida snakes are quite interesting, almost exotic, but many are rather ordinary which will not otherwise generate much excitement even among the snake enthusiasts. The Florida brown snake and the Florida corn snake are however two species that will certainly captivate you, regardless of your interest in reptiles.
Florida Brown Snake
Storeria victa is the actual name of the Florida brown snake. There are some other names as well, the scientific ones, such as Tropidonotus dekayi, Storeria dekayi, Tropidonatus dekayi, Ischnognathus dekayi, Storeria dekayi victa and Storeria tropica. Other than Florida, the brown snake is known to thrive in Georgia among other southern coastal states.
The Florida brown snake is small and often has a size of just 18 cm. There are some large Florida brown snakes that measure up to half a meter but they are so rare that most people will never spot one. The Florida brown snake is also extremely slim. Despite its small size and thin frame, the snake has a uniform appearance because its head is in great symmetry with its body. The Florida brown snake can be grayish, yellowish, brownish, reddish or silvery in color. Small Florida snakes don’t usually have venom and the Florida brown snake is no exception.
The Florida brown snake usually gorges on slugs and earthworms and also eats frogs or toads, fish and lizards, insects and very small snakes. Small birds also feature on its dietary chart.
Florida Corn Snake
The Florida corn snake is considerably larger or longer than the brown snake. But they both are slim. A Florida corn snake is slim but runs up to a length of about six feet. However, corn snakes measuring two feet are also common. The Florida corn snake has a brownish yellow or orange colored body with red blotches having black edges running down the center of its back. The Florida corn snake is as competent at digging burrows and staying underground as it can climb buildings or trees. They do both, either for hunting or for shelter.
Apart from being one of the commonly found Florida snakes, the corn snake is also found in New Jersey, Kentucky and Louisiana.
The Florida corn snake usually gorges on frogs, lizards, rats, bats and birds.