Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Opheodrys.
Species removed from the genus
The genus Opheodrys at one time included two Asian species: O. herminae, which is endemic to Japan, and O. major, which is endemic to Central/South China, Taiwan, N. Vietnam, and Laos. These were removed from the genus by Cundall in 1981[3]
However, as of May 2023, The Reptile Database still recognizes the subspecies O. aestivus carinatus in addition to the nominotypical subspeciesO. a. aestivus.[6]
Green snakes are so named because they are typically solid green in color dorsally, with a cream-colored or yellow underside. They are thin-bodied snakes that rarely exceed 90 cm (around 36 inches) in length.[8] They have large eyes and blunt shaped heads.
Habitat
Green snakes are often found in dense, low lying vegetation near a permanent water source.[9]
Behavior
Green snakes have been known to follow human activity. They rely on their color for camouflage and will usually attempt to escape if threatened.
Green snakes of the genus Opheodrys are oviparous.[10]
References
^Wright AH, Wright AA (1957). Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Ithaca and London: Comstock. 1,105 pp. (in 2 volumes). (Genus Opheodrys, pp. 551–564, Figures 164–166, Map 43).
^Smith HM, Brodie ED Jr (1982). Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. ISBN0-307-13666-3. (Opheodrys, pp. 188–189).
^Conant R (1975). A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. xviii + 429 pp. + Plates 1-42. ISBN0-395-19979-4 (hardcover), ISBN0-395-19977-8 (paperback). (Opheodrys, pp. 184–186 + Plate 25 + Maps 134–135).
^ abBehler JL, King FW (1979). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. ISBN0-394-50824-6. (Opheodrys, pp. 639–641+ Plates 475–477).
^Schmidt KP, Davis DD (1941). Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (Opheodrys, pp. 118–121, Figures 27–28 + Plate 12 on p. 332).
Further reading
Fitzinger L (1843). Systema Reptilium, Fasciculus Primus, Amblyglossae. Vienna: Braumüller & Seidel. 106 pp. + indices. (Opheodrys, new genus, p. 26). (in Latin).