How Do Smooth Green Snakes Catch Their Food?

Smooth green snakes are easy to spot because of their smooth scales and bright green coloring. They communicate with other snakes through body movement and releasing chemicals. These snakes roam around in tall grass and bushes throughout the day, and although they can, will rarely climb trees. This snake has unique eating habits that differ from most other snakes and different hunting tactics as well.

  1. Food

    • The smooth snake is one of the few species on the planet that is completely insectivorous. This means that the snake only eats insects. Grasshoppers, spiders and crickets are among the insects it commonly eats. With habitat destruction and pesticides, this snake's food sources are dwindling, causing lower smooth green snake populations.

    The Hunt

    • A smooth green snake will actively follow and hunt its prey. It uses its senses of smell and vision, and also feels vibrations to discover prey. Before attacking, it will sway back and forth to mimic vegetation moving in the wind. The snake bites onto the prey and shakes it until it's dead. At times the snake will turn the insect around to swallow it head first.

    Habitat

    • This snake hunts in grasslands, forests and marshlands. Unlike many other snakes, it roams throughout the daytime. This snake is not often seen unless it comes to a road or path. Most states ask that you call to report seeing a smooth green snake; it is often illegal to kill the species.

    Benefits of Smooth Green Snakes

    • Smooth green snakes benefit humans and the environment by controlling the insect population. They also are a food source for predatory birds, larger snakes and small mammals.