Flat-Headed Snake
Tantilla gracilis
A tiny, secretive burrowing snake with a flattened head, rarely seen due to its small size and hidden lifestyle.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 15-20 cm (6-8 in)
- Range
- South-central United States, from Kansas and Missouri south to Texas
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Overview
The Flat-Headed Snake is a diminutive colubrid found in the south-central United States, named for its distinctively flattened head shape. It is among the smallest snakes in North America.
It spends nearly all of its life hidden underground or beneath surface debris, making it one of the least commonly observed snakes within its range.
How to identify it
- Very small, slender body, tan to reddish-brown above with a plain, unpatterned appearance
- Head is notably flattened and only slightly distinct from the neck
- Belly is pale pink to salmon
- Small eyes with round pupils
- Distinguished from worm snakes and brownsnakes mainly by very small size and flattened head profile
Habitat & range
Inhabits rocky hillsides, prairies, and open woodlands with loose, well-drained soil, often found under rocks and surface debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, rarely seen above ground. Feeds mainly on centipedes and other small invertebrates, using mildly venomous rear fangs to subdue prey. Lays a very small clutch of eggs in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Flat-Headed Snake dangerous to humans?
No, its mild venom is used only on small invertebrate prey and it poses no threat to people.
Why is it called 'flat-headed'?
Its head is noticeably flattened compared to other small snakes, an adaptation suited to squeezing through soil and rock crevices.
How big does it get?
It is one of the smallest snakes in North America, rarely exceeding about 20 cm (8 inches) in length.
What does it eat?
It preys mainly on centipedes and other small soil-dwelling invertebrates.
Flat-Headed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Flat-Headed Snake.
