Well, let me tell you about my encounters with smooth green snakes and rough green snakes. I’ve always been fascinated by these slender creatures, and I’ve had the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitats.
The first noticeable difference between these two snakes is their size. Smooth green snakes tend to be smaller, reaching a maximum length of about 2 feet. On the other hand, rough green snakes can grow up to a foot longer, making them slightly larger than their smooth counterparts.
Now, let’s talk about their appearance. Smooth green snakes live up to their name – they have smooth scales that give them a sleek and shiny appearance. Their scales are flat and lack any raised keels. These snakes are often a vibrant green color, blending in perfectly with their leafy surroundings. Their slender bodies make them agile climbers, allowing them to move effortlessly among the vegetation.
On the other hand, rough green snakes have a slightly different appearance. As their name suggests, they have raised keels on their scales, giving them a rough texture. These keels can be felt when you run your fingers along the snake’s dorsal and lateral sides. The rough texture of their scales may serve as a form of camouflage, helping them blend in with the textured bark of trees or rough vegetation. Like smooth green snakes, rough green snakes are also predominantly green in color, but they may have variations in shade.
In terms of behavior, both snakes are quite similar. They are non-venomous and primarily feed on insects, such as grasshoppers and crickets. They are generally docile and not aggressive towards humans, making them harmless to handle if you come across one. These snakes are also known for their ability to remain still for long periods, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection.
The main differences between smooth green snakes and rough green snakes lie in their size and the texture of their scales. While smooth green snakes are smaller and have smooth scales, rough green snakes are larger and have raised keels on their scales. Both of these snakes are fascinating creatures to observe, and their green coloration makes them blend seamlessly into their natural habitats. So, if you ever spot a slender green snake, take a closer look to see if it’s a smooth or rough green snake!