Eastern Ribbon snake
Thamnophis saurita
Characteristics
Also called the Northern Ribbon snake in Nova Scotia, this species displays three yellow lateral lines extending from the neck down the slender dark body of the snake. A caramel-brown stripe extends the length of the body on either side of the snake between the yellow lateral lines and belly (ventral scales). This snake also features a characteristic pre-ocular white scale, meaning it has a white scale in front of each eye as if it had a white teardrop.
Status
Threatened (Nova Scotia)
Habitat
Can be found in the slow-flowing water area, wetlands, and bogs.
Range
Often referred to as restricted to the southwestern center of Nova Scotia but their range is still being studied.
Similar Species
Although rare, Maritime Garter Snakes can present with stripes. These stripes are often not as defined as those on the Ribbonsnake and occur on different scale rows. The white teardrop scale in front of the eye is a key feature in properly identifying the Ribbonsnake.
Maritime Garter snake
Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus
Characteristics
Garter snakes come in many colors (brown, red, black) and patterns (commonly checkered) and can appear with three yellow stripes just like the Eastern Ribbonsnake. This is one of the most common snakes in Nova Scotia and can get relatively large in size while other snakes in Nova Scotia are generally smaller.
Status
Not listed (Nova Scotia)
Habitat
Can be found nearly anywhere.
Range
Found throughout Nova Scotia.
Northern Ring-neck snake
Diadophis punctatus edwardsi
Characteristics
Ring-neck snakes as their name suggests, display a light-colored ring around their neck. The rest of the body presents with solid black or brown. They are nocturnal and are more likely observed in the evening. Ring-necked snakes have smooth scales. Ring-necked snakes are also 1 of the 2 species in Nova Scotia that lay eggs.
Status
Not listed (Nova Scotia)
Habitat
Can be found in both forested habitats and shorelines of water bodies.
Range
Found throughout Nova Scotia.
Red-Bellied snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Characteristics
Red-Bellied snakes as their name suggests, have distinct orange/red ventral scales (belly). The rest of the body presents with solid black, brown, or red. They often have lighter-colored scales behind their head, which can make them easy to confuse with Ring-neck snakes. Red-bellied snakes have keeled scales, which appear rough and sometimes faint stripes can be seen running down the length of the body.
Status
Not listed (Nova Scotia)
Habitat
Can be found in both forested habitats and shorelines of water bodies.
Range
Found throughout Nova Scotia.
Smooth Green snake
Opheodrys vernalis
Characteristics
Smooth green snakes are completely green in color, with paler green/white ventral scales (belly). When deceased these snakes often turn blue from the sun. Smooth green snakes are the only other species besides Ring-necked snakes that lay eggs in Nova Scotia.
Status
Not listed (Nova Scotia)
Habitat
Can be found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and residential areas.
Range
Found throughout Nova Scotia.
