Catalog Of Herps from Central New York



Reptiles
Scaly skin, eggs have brittle, leathery coatings and embryo looks like miniature adult. Life cycle not dependent on water although they typically leave near it as adults.



Snakes
There are 17 species of snakes in New York, of which 10 can be found in this area. Three are rare.

Pantherophis alleghaniensis
This is the largest snake in this area as well as all of New York State and the entire country of Canada. The one I photographed here is normal sized, about four feet long. The record is over seven feet. It is seldom seen, preferring rocky habitat in deep woods. The color is usually shades of gray from white to black. I've seen some with yellow lines although this may be due to genetic cross-breeding.
Black Rat Snake


Location: Ithaca
Picture taken in: June

Details : Striking pose. Skin detail. Aside my four foot walking stick.
    Identification :
  • Diet: Small birds and mammals
  • Size: To eight feet long
  • Habitat: Cliffs and rocky slopes.






Opheodrys vernalis
Our only green snake with smooth scales. This one is about 15 inches long. While out on our walk one day my wife came upon it. It was a chilly day and it was sunning itself but not very active. Made for an easy picture. Non-agressive, rarely bites. Nocturnal hunter.
Smooth Green Snake


Location: Virgil
Picture taken in: October

Details : Close-up. In my hand.
    Identification :
  • Diet: Insects, invertebrate prey.
  • Size: To 22 inches long.
  • Habitat: Meadows, grassy areas typically at higher elevations.



Diadophis punctatus
Our only snake with a light ring around its neck. This is an immature one. They hatch in August to September and this one was found September 12th. Although they grow up to twenty inches in length, this one was, at most, a foot long. It was found on one of my outings by an entomologist's sister who was visiting from Washington state.
Eastern Ringneck Snake


Location: Lansing
Picture taken in: September

Details : No Details
    Identification :
  • Diet: Earthworms, salamanders
  • Size: Small, max length about two feet.
  • Habitat: Leaf litter in forest, decaying wood.



Storeria occipitomaculata
Found in the city of Cortland, NY. This is a common snake living in all states east of the Mississippi River but its small size and reclusive habitat makes it seldomly seen. It grows to 16 inches in length and has an appetite for insects, earthworms and slugs. Gentle,they seldom bite.Photo Credit: Norm Trigoboff
Northern Redbelly, Eastern Redbelly, Red-Bellied Snake


Location: City of Cortland
Picture taken in: May

Details : No Details
    Identification :
  • Diet: insects, earthworms, slugs
  • Size: Very small, adult length to 12 inches.
  • Habitat: Edges of woods and fields.






Nerodia sipedon
During my village's first creek clean-up, someone found this snake in Trout Brook. Apparently someone had tied a rope around it's neck. When we found it, it had been dead for days. Nonetheless, it was in fairly good condition with only its middle part eaten.
Northern Water Snake


Location: McGraw
Picture taken in: August

Details : No Details
    Identification :
  • Diet: Mainly fish, some amphibians.
  • Size: Adults can reach 4 1/2 feet in length.
  • Habitat: Aquatic habitats- ponds, brooks, lakes.



Storeria dekayi
Identified by the two lines of small dark spots along the brown back and pale white belly. A small snake that can grow to nineteen inches long. Commonly nocturnal and rests during the day under various flat covers such as roofing tiles, stones, boards, etc.. This snake was found under a rock. Photo Credit: Norm Trigoboff.
Northern Brown Snake


Location: Lansing
Picture taken in: October

Details : No Details
    Identification :
  • Diet: Slugs, snails, earthworms.
  • Size: Small, adults to nineteen inches long.
  • Habitat: Moist to wet woodlands. Often found under logs, rocks or other debris.



Lampropeltis triangulum
A highly variable, colorful, species. This snake was found in broad sunlight around 10AM in the middle of a well-used trail in the woods. They are agressive. This one seemed stressed/irritated and actually bit a friend's shoe. They are normally nocturnal and feed on rodents, frogs, eggs and other snakes.
Eastern Milk Snake


Location: South of Syracuse
Picture taken in: June

Details : A young specimen found in Tully, Another view.
    Identification :
  • Diet: Rodents, frogs, eggs and other snakes.
  • Size: To three feet in length.
  • Habitat: Barns, old buildings, rafters



Thamnophis sirtalis
Widely common in our area. This snake is among the first to appear in the Spring and the last to be seen in the Fall. I found this one while fossil hunting on October 27th.
Common Garter Snake, Eastern Garter Snake


Location: Tully
Picture taken in: October

Details : Different specimen devouring a salamander, Another specimen, Close-up.
    Identification :
  • Diet: Worms, fish, slugs, even small mammals.
  • Size: 16 to 30 inches long.
  • Habitat: Open areas, edge of woods, fields.