Opheodrys aestivus
Description
Greensnakes are highly arboreal snakes found throughout the eastern US. The Rough Greensnake is the only member of this genus found in Mississippi, and is entirely green with keeled scales. Body is long and slender to mimic vegetation for camouflage. Rough Greensnakes are diurnal hunters, and rest on tree limps at night. They may be seen crossing roads often during the summer months, and constitute a portion of road mortality. Rough Greensnakes hunt tree- and grass-dwelling invertebrates. They may perform a swaying motion to mimic vegetation in the breeze.
Identifying Traits
- Slender green body
- Keeled scales

Habitat
Forests, grasslands, marshes, swamps
Behavior
Mimic vegetation, active hunter during the day, sleeps among tree limbs at night
Diet
Arboreal invertebrates