Smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis)

Short answers

Smooth green snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×45×45 cm (densely planted; larger is better).

Smooth green snake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot 28–30 °C, at night 18–21 °C.

Smooth green snake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (weak, Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–2).

Smooth green snake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: usually only ~6 years in captivity, unknown in the wild.

Smooth green snake: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

18–21 °C

Basking spot

28–30 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

UVB recommended (weak, Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–2)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×45×45 cm (densely planted; larger is better)

Substrate

Coco humus or forest soil with leaf litter and moss, slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Invertebrates and insects: crickets, locusts, caterpillars, spiders, moths, wax moth larvae – NO rodents

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily (a few feeder insects)

Key facts

Adult size

35–50 cm (max. ~66 cm), very slender

Life expectancy

usually only ~6 years in captivity, unknown in the wild

Origin

North America (south-eastern Canada, the northern and central USA)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; mostly wild-caught animals in the trade – we recommend captive-bred animals only

Brumation

A winter rest or brumation of ~2–3 months at ~8–12 °C (a cool temperate origin; needed for breeding)

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. In the wild it overwinters and nests communally, but in a terrarium keep it singly to be safe; put them together only under supervision for breeding

Notes

Considered hard to keep, and it often dies quickly in captivity; mostly wild-caught animals with parasites, stress and food refusal. A strict insect eater (no rodents), prone to stress, and preferably not to be touched. Buy documented captive-bred animals only.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) – Intermediate
• Common egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) – Intermediate
• African house snake (Boaedon fuliginosus) – Beginner
• False water cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas) – Experts
• Spotted house snake (Boaedon maculatus) – Beginner
• Western whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) – Intermediate
• Striped house snake (Boaedon lineatus) – Beginner
• Oriental vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) – Experts

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×45×45 cm (densely planted; larger is better)), substrate (Coco humus or forest soil with leaf litter and moss, slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.