Flat-headed Snake
ExploreReptiles
Flat-headed Snake
Tantilla gracilis
The Flat-headed Snake is a small, gentle snake that loves to hide under rocks and leaves. It has a flat head that helps it squeeze into tight spaces and stay safe from predators.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Flat-headed Snake is a small, slender reptile with a distinctive flattened head and a dark cap-like marking. Its body is typically a uniform reddish-brown or tan, contrasting with its darker head and pale belly.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusTantilla
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A flat-headed snake could easily coil up and fit inside a child's hand!
Their special flat heads help them dig through tight spaces like expert miners!
They spend most of their lives hidden beneath rocks, logs, or deep in soil!
This tiny snake's venom is harmless to humans, only affecting its small prey!
Special abilities
Ability
Stealthy Hunter
Flat-headed Snake can inject mild venom to subdue tiny prey like centipedes, making capture quick and effective.
Ability
Night Prowler
Flat-headed Snake has excellent senses for detecting prey underground, allowing them to hunt effectively in the dark.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.015 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-4
- Incubation
- 45-60 days
Diet & Feeding
This little snake mostly eats tiny invertebrates found underground.
Primary Foods
- centipedes
- millipedes
- spider larvae
- soft-bodied insects
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
common green centipede
Scolopendra viridis
A primary food source for the snake.
eaten by
Eastern racer
Coluber constrictor
Larger snakes sometimes prey on them.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Nocturnal birds of prey hunt these snakes.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
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.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a snake, it's best to watch from a distance and not touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Flat-headed Snake?
15-25 cm
How much does Flat-headed Snake weigh?
0.005-0.015 kg
How long does Flat-headed Snake live?
5-8 years
How fast can Flat-headed Snake move?
0.5 km/h
What does Flat-headed Snake eat?
This little snake mostly eats tiny invertebrates found underground.
Where is Flat-headed Snake usually found?
Grasslands
How does Flat-headed Snake hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Flat-headed Snake lay?
1-4
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