Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,
I need a little help identifying the snake I found today. Here are some of his features:

6 inches long, but has a very tiny body
Head is dark brownish gray, and the rest of its body is a lighter brownish gray color
2 pinkish red stripes which come together at the end of the tail, making a red tail
Almost "sharp" pointed tail
Scales are very smooth

View pictures here:

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=143047926&photoID=289340038&security=sdXhup

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=143047926&photoID=289340213&security=YaUrFh

The snake was found here in Northern California. I plan on adding this guy to my "collection" of reptiles, so any care details would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

I forgot to say that he was found under a log in a grassy field.

thanks,
Andrew

Pix not available, but I don't need 'em. What you have is Contia tenuis, the Sharp-Tailed Snake. According to Stebbins, this fossorial critter's diet is apparently strictly slugs. Unless you have ready access to them, it may be better off released where it was found.

~~Greg~~

Awesome, thanks. Slugs wont be a problem at all, in fact, that just makes feeding all the more easier. Its an awesome little snake, and is very tame. There isnt much care information about them on the internet though, is this species not commonly kept in captivity?

Thanks,
Andrew

Judging from its habitat, habits & diet, I doubt it would be found in many collections. They prefer a somewhat moist microhabitat, & burrow or hide under logs & leaf litter in dry conditions. Kind of hard to display or sit & enjoy looking at.

Bear in mind I have gleaned this from books...I'm in Florida & have never seen one. You might want to pick up a field guide to snakes of your area. It would not only help with identification, but also with what the requirements might be for captive set-up.

~~Greg~~

It is not a sharp tail snake they do not live in the carolinas I cant see the pic so search north carolinas reptiles and compare your species

i was JK lol

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