Common Sharp-tailed Snake
ExploreReptiles
Common Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
The Common Sharp-tailed Snake is a small, slender snake that loves to hide in the grass. It has a unique sharp tail that helps it defend itself from predators.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Common Sharp-tailed Snake is a small, slender reptile with smooth scales. It has a reddish-brown to dark gray back and a creamy white belly with distinct black crossbars. Its most unique feature is a tiny, sharp spine at the tip of its tail.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusContia
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name, its tail spine is harmless to humans!
These shy snakes rarely bite, preferring to escape danger.
They spend most of their lives hidden beneath the ground!
Young sharp-tailed snakes look just like tiny adults!
Special abilities
Ability
Pointy Defense
Common Sharp-tailed Snake has a stiff, sharp scale at its tail tip that helps them poke predators as a warning.
Ability
Slug Sensor
Common Sharp-tailed Snake can hunt slugs and worms because of its specialized mouthparts, making them expert mollusk eaters.
Ability
Hide & Seek Master
Common Sharp-tailed Snake can disappear quickly because of its small size and preference for hiding under leaf litter and rocks.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 18-30 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.02 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-8
- Incubation
- 60-80 days
Diet & Feeding
This tiny snake loves to munch on slimy slugs and soft worms!
Primary Foods
- slugs
- earthworms
- snails
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Grey Field Slug
Deroceras reticulatum
A primary food source
hunts
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
An important part of their diet
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A larger snake predator
eaten by
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
A bird of prey
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a snake, it's best to watch it from a distance and not touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Common Sharp-tailed Snake?
18-30 cm
How much does Common Sharp-tailed Snake weigh?
0.005-0.02 kg
How long does Common Sharp-tailed Snake live?
5-10 years
How fast can Common Sharp-tailed Snake move?
0.5 km/h
What does Common Sharp-tailed Snake eat?
This tiny snake loves to munch on slimy slugs and soft worms!
Where is Common Sharp-tailed Snake usually found?
Grasslands
How does Common Sharp-tailed Snake hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Common Sharp-tailed Snake lay?
3-8
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