MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

WILDLIFE

REPTILES

[photo, Small turtle, Glen Burnie, Maryland]
  • Maryland Reptiles
  • Maryland State Reptile
  • Common Backyard Reptiles & Amphibians (DNR)



    • Small Turtle, Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2019. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Red Cornsnake (Pantherosphis guttatus), Dept. of Natural Resources exhibit, Maryland State Fair, Timonium, Maryland]

    Red Cornsnake (Pantherosphis guttatus), Dept. of Natural Resources exhibit, Maryland State Fair, Timonium, Maryland, September 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

    [photo, Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra s. serpentina), Annapolis, Maryland]
  • Maryland's Lizards (Lizard Anatomy) (DNR)
  • Maryland's Turtles & Tortoises (Turtle & Tortoise Anatomy) (DNR)
  • Reptiles & Amphibians of Maryland (DNR)


    • Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra s. serpentina), Annapolis, Maryland, May 2012. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland] Although reptiles are classified by four orders, only two are found in Maryland: Scaled Reptiles (squamata), and Shelled Reptiles (testudines). While Shelled Reptiles encompass only turtles, Scaled Reptiles include Snakes (serpentes), and Lizards (lacertilia).

    As diverse as their types, Maryland reptiles have many options during the colder months. In addition to hibernation and migration, brumation is a trait unique to reptiles. When reptiles brumate, they remain semi-dormant, going months without food. Still, they remain aware of their surroundings, but only move to secure water.


    Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland, June 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys t. terrapin), Dept. of Natural Resources exhibit, Maryland State Fair, Timonium, Maryland] A permit may be necessary to own a reptile, but one is required in order to breed or sell native species.


    Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys t. terrapin), Dept. of Natural Resources exhibit, Maryland State Fair, Timonium, Maryland, September 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

    [photo, Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherosphis alleghaniensis), Glen Burnie, Maryland] Classified as testudines, turtles come in many shapes and sizes. From the Diamondback Terrapin, to the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Maryland exemplifies this diversity. Known as "sea turtles", members of the Cheloniidae family possess distinct flippers instead of legs, and spend most of their lives underwater. Due to human and animal predations (as well as risks associated with their extensive travels) all species of sea turtles found in Maryland are classified as either endangered, or threatened.


    Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherosphis alleghaniensis), Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland] In Maryland, snakes are found mostly in rural and wooded areas. While most are harmless to humans, two species are venomous, that is, capable of injecting toxins: Copperhead, and Timber Rattlesnake.

    Whether possessing flippers, feet, or nothing at all, numerous examples of Maryland's reptile populace are on display at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

    Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland, June 2017. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    MARYLAND REPTILES

    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
    All reptiles noted below are native to Maryland.

    Brownsnake, Dekay's (Storeia d. dekayi)
    Carnivore; nocturnal; serpentes; approx. 15 inches long; gray-brown color, with lighter dorsal stripe edged in black spots. Can live as long as seven years; prefers rocky terrain, but commonly occurs in urban and suburban areas. Formerly known as Northern Brownsnake.

    Cooter, Northern Red-bellied (Pseudemys rubriventris)
    Herbivore; testudines; 10 to 12 inches long; weighs up to 10 lbs.; distinct bright red "belly", with dark brown to black patterns. Also known as American Red-bellied Turtle.

    Copperhead, Eastern (Agkistrodon contortrix)
    Venomous; carnivore; serpentes; 4 to 36 inches long; color ranges from tan to brown, with distinct "hourglass-shaped" bands of darker color (although not all bands will be this shape); juveniles possess yellow tail, used to draw prey. Prefers coniferous forests and swamps. While mistaken for northern water snake, copperhead bands are wider at belly, and taper to spine. Also known as American Copperhead, Death Adder, and Moccasin. Formerly known as Northern Copperhead.

    Cornsnake, Red (Pantherosphis guttatus)
    Carnivore; diuranal; serpentes; hibernates during winter months; 4 to 6 feet long; orange to brown-yellow scales, with black outlined patches of red along spine; skilled climber. Can live as long as twenty years; prefers overgrown fields, meadows and marshes. Also known as Red Ratsnake.

    Earthsnake, Mountain (Virginia valeriae pulchra)
    Carnivore; serpentes; 7 to 13 inches long; brown, gray, or red in color; prefers coniferous forests, mountainous terrain. Mistaken for eastern smooth earthsnake, but mountain earthsnake scales are more keeled, or rough.
    Classified as Endangered in Maryland.

    Earthsnake, Smooth (Virginia valeriae)
    Carnivore; serpentes; 7 to 10 inches long; brown, gray, or red in color; burrower. While mistaken for mountain earthsnake, eastern smooth earthsnake scales are more flush and smooth. First recorded specimen, Kent County.

    Gartersnake, Common (Thamnophis sirtalis)
    Carnivore; serpentes; 18 to 26 inches long; hibernates during winter months; dark green in color; distinct three stripe pattern ranging from gray to yellow. Can live up to ten years; prefers marshes, meadows, and gardens. Formerly known as Eastern Copperhead.

    Gecko, Mediterranean (Hemidactylus turcicus)
    Insectivore; nocturnal; up to 5 inches in length; large eyes; body generally gray-light brown with dark spots and tubercles on top, white on bottom, but some are translucent or dark in color; sticky toe pads; striped tails. Lives around houses. Makes squeaking sound.
    Introduced species in Maryland.

    Greensnake, Rough (Opheodrys aestivus)
    Insectivore; diurnal; serpentes; 20 to 30 inches long; bright green body with white to yellow bellies. While mistaken for smooth green snake, rough green snake scales are more keeled, or rough. Formerly known as Northern Rough Snake.

    [photo, Eastern Kingsnake, Glen Burnie, Maryland] Greensnake, Smooth (Opheodrys vernalis)
    Insectivore; serpentes; bright green body, with off-white belly; 12 to 36 inches long; Prefers meadows and prairies. Mistaken for rough green snake, but smooth green snake scales are more flush, and smooth. Also known as Grass Snake.

    Kingsnake, Eastern (Lampropeltis getula getula)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; shiny black body, with distinct white or yellow bands; 36 to 48 inches long; usually found near bodies of water. Resistant to venom, eastern kingsnake diet may include copperheads and rattlesnakes. Also known as Chain Snake.

    Kingsnake, Northern Mole (Lampropeltis rhombomaculata)
    Carnivore; serpentes; nocturnal; 30 to 40 inches long; smooth, shiny body that is brown or olive with brown-red blotches on back and sides; yellow-brown belly. Lives in other animals' burrows or in the soil. Formerly known as Mole Kingsnake.

    Eastern Kingsnake, Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    Lizard, Eastern Fence (Sceloporus udulatus)
    Insectivore; lacertilia; 4 to 7.3 inches long; ranges from gray to brown. Female has black stripes along back. During mating season, male shows distinct bright blue patches on throat and belly. Prefers forests, and spends most of its life in trees.

    Milksnake, Coastal Plain (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides X triangulum)
    Carnivore; serpentes; nocturnal; non-venomous; 24 to 36 inches long; red-black blotches on back; light neck collar. Intergrade of the Scarlet Kingsnake and Eastern Milksnake.

    Milksnake, Eastern (Lampropeltis triangulum)
    Carnivore; serpentes; nocturnal; non-venomous; 24 to 36 inches long; slender body that is tan or brown with 32 or more red and black blotches down body in rows; gray or tan "Y,"- "V,"- "U,"- or "A"-shaped pattern at base of neck; checkerboard belly.

    Pinesnake, Eastern (Pituophis melanoleucus)
    Carnivore; serpentes; body is light brown, covered in patches of black, and dark or reddish browns; 48 to 66 inches long. Prefers coniferous forests, and farmland. Also known as Common Pinesnake. Formerly known as Northern Pinesnake.
    Classified as Endangered/Extirpated in Maryland.

    Queensnake (Regina septemvittata)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; semi-aquatic; non-venomous; 13.5 to 23 inches long; color is brown or dark green on the top with a yellow stripe on the bottom; yellow-white belly with four dark stripes.

    Racer, North American (Coluber constrictor)
    Carnivore; serpentes; Dark gray to black coloring; averages 71 inches long. While classified in the constrictor species, the Black Racer actually does not constrict. Instead, it pins its prey by coiling around it, then swallows it whole. Formerly known as Northern Black Racer.

    Racerunner, Six-lined (Aspidoscelis s. sexlineatus)
    Insectivore; diurnal; lacertilia; hibernates; 6 to 9.5 inches long; tail is usually two-thirds of total length; ranges in color from dark green to black, with six distinct yellow to green stripes running from head to tail. Prefers grasslands with dry soil. Formerly known as Eastern Six-lined Racerunner.

    [photo, Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherosphis alleghaniensis), Glen Burnie, Maryland] Ratsnake, Eastern (Pantherosphis alleghaniensis)
    Carnivore; serpentes; 47 to 72 inches long; completely black except for white chin and throat. Checkerboard pattern on belly. Prefers deciduous forests; nests in hollow trees, or empty rodent dens. Also known as Black Rat Snake.


    Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherosphis alleghaniensis), Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    Rattlesnake, Timber (Crotalus horridus)
    Venomous; carnivore; serpentes; 35 to 60 inches long; distinct head is noticably wider than body, with "rattle" on tip of tail. Prefers deciduous forests, and rocky terrain.
    Placed on Watchlist.

    Ribbonsnake, Eastern (Thamnophis sauritus)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; non-venomous; semi-aquatic; brown head, black body, three yellow or cream stripes down back; 18 to 26 inches long. Formerly known as Common Ribbonsnake.

    Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; non-venomous; 14 to 20 inches long; red and white or yellow blotches separated by black lines; prefers sandy soils in pine woods. Formerly known as Northern Scarletsnake.
    Placed on Watchlist.

    Seaturtle, Atlantic Hawksbill (Eretmochelys i. imbricata)
    Carnivore; testudines; 30 to 35 inches long; brown, green, or black shield-shaped top shell, though some have the "tortoise shell" pattern; yellow bottom shell, chin, and throat; four overlapping scutes on each side of top shell; two pairs of scales between eyes.
    Classified as Endangered in Maryland.

    Seaturtle, Green (Chelonia mydas)
    Carnivore; testudines; 36 to 48 inches long; olive, brown, gray, or black oval or heart-shaped top shell; cream or yellow bottom shell; four scutes on each side of top shell; one pair of scales between eyes.
    Classified as Threatened.

    Seaturtle, Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
    Carnivore; testudines; 23 to 27.5 inches long; olive green, gray, or black heart-shaped top shell; bottom shell is white; gray or olive head and flippers; five scutes on each side of top shell.
    Classified as Endangered.

    Seaturtle, Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
    Carnivore; testudines; largest sea turtle; 53 to 70 inches long; brown or black top shell covered with leathery skin and may have white or pink blotches; seven ridges along body; white bottom shell has five ridges; head and limbs are black or green with white or pink blotches.
    Classified as Endangered.

    Seaturtle, Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
    Carnivore; testudines; 31 to 45 inches long; weighs 170 to 350 lbs.; yellow-brown skin, with reddish-brown shell. Distinguished by disproportionately large head. Largest hard-shelled turtle in world.
    Classified as Threatened.

    Skink, Broad-headed (Plestiodon laticeps)
    Carnivore; lacertilia; juveniles possess striped faces and bright blue tails; adult females retain striped face, while male faces turn red to orange; blue tail fades with age.

    Skink, Coal (Plestiodon anthracinus)
    Carnivore; lacertilia; 4.5 to 7 inches long; four light stripes on back and wider stripes on side; males have orange-red markings on the sides of the head. Formerly known as Northern Coal Skink.
    Classified as Endangered in Maryland.

    [photo, Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), Glen Burnie, Maryland] Skink, Common Five-lined (Plestiodon fasciatus)
    Carnivore; lacertilia; 5 to 8.5 inches long; juveniles have five white or yellow stripes on the head, a black body, and blue tail; adult females have the stripes, but a brown body; adult males have some stripes and are tan or olive with jaws that turn orange during mating season.


    Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), Glen Burnie, Maryland, July 2011. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    Skink, Little Brown (Scincella lateralis)
    Carnivore; lacertilia; 3 to 5.8 inches long; gold or brown body with dark stripe; light belly. Also known as Ground Skink.

    Slider, Red-eared (Trachemys scripta)
    Omnivore; testudines; brumates during winter months; 8-13 inches long; distinct red stripe on each side of head.

    Slider, Yellow-bellied (Trachemys scripta scripta)
    Omnivore; testudines; 5 to 11 inches long; top shell is green, gray, black, or brown with yellow edge; yellow markings on dark head; thin, vertical yellow and black lines on neck and limbs; bottom shell has is yellow with two black spots.
    Introduced into Maryland. Report any findings or sightings to Department of Natural Resources.

    Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed (Heterodon platirhinos)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; 20 to 33 inches long; color varies from yellow, brown, gray, orange or red with dark blotches to black or dark gray; upturned snout; hiss then play dead when approached.

    Snake, Northern Ring-necked (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; non-venomous; 10 to 15 inches long; cream-yellow neck collar; yellow belly that may have black spots; gray, black or brown back. Formerly known as Ring-necked Snake.

    Snake, Rainbow (Farancia erytrogramma)
    Carnivore; serpentes; nocturnal; semi-aquatic; 36 to 44 inches long; glossy, iridescent body; three red stripes on a blue-black body; red belly with black spots.
    Classified as Endangered in Maryland.

    Snake, Red-bellied (Storeria occipitomaculata)
    Insectivore; serpentes; nocturnal; non-venomous; 8 to 10 inches long; three cream spots on neck; red belly; black marks on sides and head; light brown, gray, or black body with thin black stripes. Formerly known as Northern Red-bellied Snake.

    Snake, Southern Ring-necked (Diadophis punctatus punctatus)
    Carnivore; serpentes; diurnal; non-venomous; 10 to 15 inches long; cream-yellow neck collar that is broken or notched; yellow belly that has half-moon-shaped spots; gray, black or brown back. Formerly known as Ring-necked Snake.

    [photo, Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys t. terrapin), Tawes Building, Dept. of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland] [photo, Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys t. terrapin), Tawes Building, Dept. of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland]

    Terrapin, Northern Diamondback (Malaclemys t. terrapin)
    Carnivore; testudines; 4 to 9 inches long; gray, brown, green, yellow, or black wedge-shaped top shell; concentric rings on each scute; small knobs run down the top shell; head and limbs are gray with black flecks; black "mustache" above yellow or pink lips. State Reptile of Maryland.


    Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys t. terrapin), Tawes Building, Dept. of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland, April 2009 (left), October 2009 (right). Photos by Diane F. Evartt.

    Turtle, Bog (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)
    Omnivore; testudines; 3.5 to 4 inches long; top shell is black, olive, or brown and has knobs; scutes may have red or yellow starbursts in center; bottom shell is black with cream blotches; yellow, orange, or red patch on sides of head.
    Classified as Threatened.
    [photo, Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland] [photo, Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland] Turtle, Eastern Box (Terrapene c. carolina)
    Omnivore; estudines; 4.5 to 6 inches long; black or brown high dome-like top shell with knobs and yellow, orange, or olive patterns; scutes have concentric rings; bottom shell is hinged; eyes are red (males) or yellow-brown (female).

    Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), Glen Burnie, Maryland, June 2017 (left), June 2015 (right). Photos by Diane F. Evartt.

    Turtle, Eastern Mud (Kinosternon s. subrubrum)
    Herbivore; estudines; 2.8 to 4 inches long; brown or yellow oval-shaped top shell; two hinges; triangular scutes.

    Turtle, Eastern Musk (Sternotherus odoratus)
    Omnivore; estudines; 2 to 4.5 inches long; black or brown top shell is arched; two yellow or white stripes on head, neck, chin, and throat. Also known as the Stinkpot.

    Turtle, Eastern Painted (Chrysemys picta picta)
    Omnivore; testudines; 4.5 to 6 inches long; olive or black top shell with red markings on edge; scutes are in lines; yellow spots on either side of head and yellow striped along jaw and through eyes; black head; yellow or orange belly.

    [photo, Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Annapolis, Maryland] Turtle, Eastern Snapping (Chelydra s. serpentina)
    Omnivore; Testudines; 9.8 to 19 inches long; weighs from 10 to 35 pounds; long tail which is saw-toothed along upper side; long claws. Lives 30-40 years; lays average of 50 eggs between April-Nov. Prefers shallow ponds, lakes, and streams. Aggressive on land. Largest freshwater turtle in Maryland.


    Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra s. serpentina), Annapolis, Maryland, May 2012. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    Turtle, Eastern Spiny Softshelled (Apalone s. spinifera)
    Omnivore; testudines; 8 to 16 inches long; tan top shell has black circles, is flat and leathery, not scaled, and has spines at the front; bottom shell is white or yellow; elongated snout and large nostrils.
    Classified as In Need of Conservation.

    Turtle, False Map (Graptemys pseudogeographica)
    Omnivore; testudines; 3 to 11 inches long; black, brown or olive top shell with yellow lines and spines down middle; bottom shell is yellow-cream; yellow spot behind eyes.
    Introduced into Maryland. Report any findings or sightings to Department of Natural Resources.

    Turtle, Midland Painted (Chrysemys picta marginata)
    Omnivore; testudines; 4.5 to 7 inches long; olive or black top shell with red markings on edge; scutes are not in lines, but alternate; yellow spots on either side of head and yellow striped along jaw and through eyes; black head; gray shadows on belly.

    Turtle, Northern Map (Graptemys geographica)
    Omnivore; testudines; 3.5 to 11 inches long; olive top shell with yellow-orange lines and knobbed; bottom shell is yellow; yellow spot behind eyes; light-colored jaw.
    Classified as Endangered in Maryland.

    Turtle, Spotted (Clemmys guttata)
    Omnivore; estudines; 3.5 to 4.5 inches long; black top shell has yellow or orange spots and is slightly dome-shaped; eyes are brown (males) or orange (females).

    Turtle, Striped Mud (Kinosternon baurii)
    Omnivore; estudines; 3 to 5 inches long; brown top shell with 3 light-colored striped running lengthwise; light-colored line between eyes and nose.
    Introduced into Maryland. Report any findings or sightings to Department of Natural Resources.

    Turtle, Wood (Glyptemys insculpta)
    Omnivore; testudines; 5.5 to 7.5 inches; top shell looks like wood; scutes are knobbed; bottom shell is yellow with black markings; nicknamed the "redleg" turtle due to the coloring on the bottom of chin and legs.

    Watersnake, Common (Nerodia sipedon)
    Carnivore; serpentes; semi-aquatic; hibernates during winter months; saliva is mild anticoagulant, but poses little risk to humans. Mistaken for copperheads, but northern water snake bands are wider at spine, and taper to belly. Formerly known as Northern Watersnake.

    Watersnake, Plain-bellied (Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster)
    Carnivore; serpentes; semi-aquatic; non-venomous; 30 to 48 inches long; brown or black back; red-orange belly and throat; thick body. Formerly known as Red-bellied Watersnake.

    Wormsnake, Common (Carphophis amoenus)
    Carnivore; serpentes; nocturnal; non-venomous. Looks like an earthworm; brown body with pink body; 7.5 to 11 inches long; burrows in soil. Formerly known as Eastern Wormsnake.

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