Florida Crowned Snake
- Scientific Name
- Tantilla relicta
- Also Known As
- Florida Crowned Snake
- Range
- Central and Northern Florida
- Diet
- Soft Insects, Centipedes, Earthworms, Ants
- Life Expectancy
- 3 - 5 Years
Quick Links
The Florida Crowned Snake in Central Florida
The Florida crowned snake (Tantilla relicta) is a small, nonvenomous colubrid species endemic to peninsular Florida. Often overlooked due to its cryptic habits, the Florida crowned snake plays an important role as a predator of invertebrates and as prey for other wildlife.
This article provides identification tips, biology facts, and information on ideal habitat and diet to better understand this native snake in Central Florida ecosystems.
Subspecies of Florida Crowned Snakes in the Area
Photo 258288862 © Brandon, CC BY-NC
Central Florida Crowned Snake
The Central Florida Crowned Snake (relicta neilli) is a unique subspecies in central Florida. Genetic evidence shows they evolved separately. They are tiny, only reaching 8-10 inches long. Their small size is an adaptation to hunting ants and termites in sandy soils. They also have distinct head blotches between the eyes versus other subspecies. Loss of scrub habitat reduces their limited range around Florida’s central Atlantic coast.
Calling them a distinct subspecies highlights the need for habitat protection. Preserving remaining scrub is critical for this tiny snake’s survival. Recognizing their subspecies status brings attention to their decline from habitat loss.