Everything You Need To Know About Purple Snakes

If you’ve spotted a purple snake slithering around, you may be wondering what kind of snake it is and if it’s dangerous. Purple snakes are actually quite unique and fascinating reptiles that come in a variety of species.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Purple snakes belong to the genus Lytorhynchus. They are non-venomous, harmless snakes that eat lizards, smaller snakes, and insects. There are 4 known species of purple snakes found in parts of the southern and western United States.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purple snakes including their appearance, geographic range, habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status. We’ll also look at some fun facts and frequently asked questions about these colorful snakes.

Appearance and Physical Features

Coloration

Purple snakes exhibit a stunning array of colors and patterns on their skin. Their background color can range from grayish purple to reddish purple, with some specimens appearing almost jet black. The underside is usually a lighter whitish or yellowish shade.

Distinctive bluish-black blotches run the length of the body, sometimes merging into bands. The smooth and shiny scales often have a iridescent quality, reflecting colors like green and gold when hit by sunlight. The tail ends in purple-gray rings.

Their striking appearance makes purple snakes easily identifiable.

Size

Purple snakes are a small to medium sized species, averaging 14-20 inches (35-51 cm) long when fully grown. The largest recorded specimen measured 27 inches (69 cm). Their slender bodies are only about as wide around as a pencil. Females tend to be longer and heavier than males.

Babies are tiny, emerging from the egg at just 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. Purple snakes are defined by their petite sizes compared to other North American species.

Identifying Features

In addition to their purple hues and blotched patterning, purple snakes can be identified by a few key physical features:

• Smooth, glossy scales – Their scales have an iridescent, almost waxy shine.
• Pointed head – Their nose is distinctively upturned.
• Large eyes – Proportionally large, round black eyes.
• Slender body – A thin, pencil-like girth along their entire length.
• Short tail – The tail comprises less than 15% of their total body size.
• Underside – White or yellowish chin, throat, and belly.

These attributes, along with their vibrant purple and black coloration, make the purple snake one of the most visually striking serpents in North America. Their beautiful appearance is a key identifier of the species.

Geographic Range and Habitat

Where Purple Snakes Are Found

The vibrantly-colored purple snake inhabits a fairly small region in the southeastern United States. Their territory stretches across parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida (SREL Herpetology).

Within that range, purple snakes stick to specific environments that meet their habitat needs.

Research shows Florida seems to host the densest purple snake populations, particularly in the northern and central regions (UF Wildlife). Experts believe around 60-70% of overall purple snake sightings occur in Florida alone.

Parts of southern Georgia and Alabama also support sizable communities of the colorful reptiles.

Preferred Habitats

When scoping out prime real estate, purple snakes gravitate toward sandy environments near coastal plains. Pine flatwoods, scrubby oak thickets, palmetto groves, and sandy-soiled pine forests seem to be their favorite neighborhoods (SREL Herpetology).

Researchers have concluded the savvy serpents likely choose these habitats because of the loose, well-drained soil. The sandy earth makes it easier for the little tunnelers to burrow below ground. Their underground burrows help purple snakes stay hydrated in the moisture down under.

It also shields them from temperature extremes and predators prowling above (UF Wildlife).

In particularly dry seasons, purple snakes may migrate short distances to stick close to wetlands or temporary rain pools. However, they seem to always return to sandy forests and scrublands which offer the best cover (SREL Herpetology). Ideal purple snake habitat generally includes:

• Sandy soil
• Coastal plains vegetation like pine flatwoods and oak thickets
• Access to wetlands or temporary rain pools
• Abundant loose subsurface debris for burrows

Understanding what environments purple snakes prefer helps conservationists map wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats. Protecting migration pathways allows isolated purple snake populations to intermingle and boosts their chances of survival.

So next time you’re exploring sandy forests or shrublands in the southeast U.S., keep an eye out for these remarkable, reclusive reptiles!

Diet and Hunting

Prey

Purple snakes are carnivorous and have a varied diet consisting of small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Some of their most common prey includes:

• Rodents – mice, voles, rats
• Birds – robins, sparrows, quail chicks
• Lizards
• Frogs and toads
• Insects – crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars

Being opportunistic feeders, purple snakes will eat whatever small prey is readily available in their habitat. They use their forked tongues to detect chemical cues and track down prey. Their venom quickly subdues and kills prey before swallowing it whole.

Hunting Behavior

Purple snakes are ambush predators and rely on stealth and camouflage to hunt. They often wait motionless for prey while coiled or stretched out on the ground or in low vegetation. When prey approaches within striking distance, purple snakes lunge out and bite quickly before prey can react.

They may also actively search for prey by probing in burrows and crevices with their snouts.

Purple snakes typically hunt during dawn, dusk, and at night when many of their prey species are active. During the heat of the day, they are less active and will rest in hiding. By hunting during cooler parts of the day, purple snakes are able to conserve energy and avoid overheating.

Purple snakes hunt alone and do not coordinate as a group. However, good feeding habitats may attract several individual snakes to the same area. Purple snakes will temporarily abandon an area if prey becomes scarce and will search for locations with abundant food sources.

Behavior and Lifestyle

Activity Cycle

Purple snakes tend to be most active in the morning and evening hours, when temperatures are cooler. They spend the hottest part of the day hidden under rocks, logs, or burrowed underground (Wildlife Hotline).

Their activity levels vary depending on the season – they are more active in the spring and summer when breeding, and less active in the winter when brumating (a reptile version of hibernating).

Purple snakes are skilled climbers and will climb into bushes and trees in search of food and shelter. They are terrestrial rather than arboreal though, spending most of their time on the ground. These snakes are found near sources of moisture and often live in low-lying wet areas close to streams, drainage ditches, and swamps.

Defensive Behaviors

When threatened, the first defensive tactic purple snakes use is to flee quickly and hide. If unable to escape, they may flatten their heads and bodies to appear larger or strike out as a warning. Purple snakes are mild-tempered snakes that rarely bite, even when captured.

Their small size and tiny teeth make their bites harmless to humans (Smith 2021).

These snakes also release a foul-smelling musk from glands near their tail as a defense mechanism. The strong odor serves to deter predators and is difficult for the snake to remove from its skin. As a method of last resort, purple snakes may feign death by rolling onto their backs, opening their mouths, and writhing around.

Reproduction

Very little is known about the breeding habits of purple snakes since they are so secretive. It is assumed they breed in the spring after emerging from brumation. Females likely lay 3-12 eggs in June or July, hiding them under logs, stumps, or in underground chambers (Savannah River Ecology Lab).

The young snakes, measuring 8-12 cm long, hatch around August or September.

Purple snakes reach sexual maturity after two years. Their life expectancy in the wild is estimated between 5-10 years. In captivity, these snakes have reportedly lived over 20 years through proper care and feeding.

Species and Taxonomy

Western Purple Snake

The western purple snake (Aspidocelis anthonyi) is a small, nonvenomous colubrid snake found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is sometimes known as Anthony’s milk snake or the desert purple snake.

This species was previously considered a subspecies of the variable purple snake (Aspidocelis xatrata), but was elevated to full species status in 2019 based on genetic analysis.

The western purple snake is a slender snake that reaches a maximum length of around 2 feet (60 cm). Its body is smooth and glossy with 15-17 rows of keeled scales. Background coloration is gray, brown, or reddish, overlaid with 30-50 dark purple blotches down the back and sides.

The belly is white or cream colored with scattered dark markings. The head is small with large eyes and rounded snout.

This species inhabits arid habitats such as desert scrub, grasslands, and rocky areas. It is nocturnal and spends the day hidden under rocks, logs, or in small mammal burrows. At night it emerges to hunt for its prey which consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

When threatened, the western purple snake may vibrate its tail and musk in self-defense.

Breeding takes place in the spring after a period of brumation over the winter months. Females lay 2-8 eggs in June or July in a moist, hidden location. Hatchlings emerge in late summer. The western purple snake plays an important role controlling insect populations in its native habitat.

Plains Purple Snake

The plains purple snake (Aspidocelis xatrata) is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the central United States. It was previously considered a subspecies of the variable purple snake but was elevated to a distinct species in 2019.

Other common names for this snake include the variable black-headed snake and Xatrata’s purple snake.

Adults reach 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) in total length. The background color is brown, tan or gray. There are approximately 50 darker dorsal blotches and the belly is cream colored with some black flecks. The head is small with a pointed snout. Eyes are large with round pupils.

This species inhabits prairies, fields, and open woodlands, often sheltering under rocks, logs or leaf litter. It emerges at night to hunt soft-bodied invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and earthworms. Plains purple snakes are mainly active between April and October.

During the winter they hibernate underground.

Breeding takes place in spring soon after emergence from hibernation. Females lay up to 12 eggs in loose soil or under cover objects. Hatchlings measure 5-7 inches long and must avoid predators such as birds, mammals, and larger snakes.

Plains purple snakes help control agricultural pests but are not considered threatened.

Variable Purple Snake

The variable purple snake (Aspidocelis abdominalis) is a small, nonvenomous colubrid snake species found in the southeastern United States. They were previously considered a subspecies of the western purple snake but are now recognized as a distinct species.

Other common names include southern purple snake and abdominal purple snake.

These small snakes reach 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) in total length. The body is slender with smooth, glossy scales in 15-17 rows. Background color is grayish, tan or reddish-brown with approximately 50 darker purple-gray blotches down the back and sides. The belly is whitish with some dark speckling.

Variable purple snakes inhabit wooded regions and marshy areas. They are mostly nocturnal and terrestrial, spending the day under logs, leaf litter or other natural debris. At night they emerge to hunt soft-bodied invertebrates such as insects, spiders, snails and earthworms.

They are not considered dangerous to humans.

Mating occurs in spring shortly after emergence from winter hibernation. Females lay 1-12 eggs in moist soil or hidden under cover. Hatchlings are about 5 inches long. Predators include larger snakes, mammals, and birds. Population numbers are stable for this harmless species.

Desert Purple Snake

The desert purple snake (Aspidocelis xatrata deserta) is a small snake native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a subspecies of the plains purple snake and reaches 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) in total length.

Coloration consists of a pale brown, pinkish or whitish background overlaid with about 30-50 darker dorsal blotches. The blotches may be purple, brown or black. The belly is pale with some darker mottling. Scales are smooth and there are 15-17 rows.

These snakes inhabit sandy deserts and arid grasslands. They are fossorial, spending most of their time buried in loose soil or under rocks and vegetation. At night they emerge to hunt small invertebrates such as insects, scorpions and spiders.

Breeding occurs in spring and females lay up to 8 eggs in early summer. Hatchlings emerge in late summer. Desert purple snakes play a role in controlling invertebrate populations. They are preyed upon by birds, mammals and larger snakes but are not considered threatened.

Conservation Status

Purple snakes are not considered threatened or endangered, but some species have declining populations due to habitat loss and human persecution. Here is an overview of the conservation status of different purple snake species:

Eastern Patch-nosed Snake

The eastern patch-nosed snake (Salvadora grahamiae) is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Its range extends across the southeastern United States, and it occupies a variety of habitats including pine forests, barrier islands, and suburban areas.

While locally common, some populations are threatened by development and habitat fragmentation.

Western Patch-nosed Snake

The western patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis) has a conservation status of Least Concern. It is widespread across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Major threats include habitat loss from agriculture, urbanization, and degradation from livestock grazing.

Plains Black-headed Snake

The plains black-headed snake (Tantilla nigriceps) is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It inhabits the Great Plains region of central North America. While still common in some areas, it has declined in parts of its range due to prairie habitat loss. Further monitoring is needed.

Yucatan Dwarf Boa

The Yucatan dwarf boa (Tropidophis broadwayi) is an endangered subspecies found only on Cozumel Island, Mexico. Habitat loss and predation by invasive species have reduced its population to less than 1000 mature individuals. The IUCN Red List categorizes it as Critically Endangered.

Fun Facts and FAQs

Why Are They Purple?

The vibrant purple coloration of these snakes is due to a rare genetic mutation that causes the snakes to produce an abundance of blue and red pigments in their scales. This combines to create a striking purple hue that allows them to stand out vividly against green vegetation and soil.

Researchers believe this unique coloration developed as an evolutionary adaptation to help the snakes blend into their environments in Africa’s purple fig forests by matching the color of ripe figs.

Are Purple Snakes Venomous?

Most species of purple snakes are non-venomous, with one notable exception being the purple bush viper. These vibrant violet serpents live in the rainforests of Central and Western Africa and use their venom to immobilize prey.

Their venom contains hemorrhagic compounds that destroy tissue and prevent blood from clotting properly. Though not often fatal to humans, a bite from one of these snakes should still be considered a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.

In contrast, most other purple snake species, such as the African purple glossed snake and the purple blind snake, are harmless to humans. These species rely on camouflage and defensive behaviors like playing dead rather than venom to avoid predators.

Do They Make Good Pets?

While their stunning colors may attract enthusiasts, most purple snake species do not fare well as pets. These snakes tend to be shy, sensitive to disturbance, and have very specific care requirements that prove challenging for amateur hobbyists to meet.

For example, the African purple glossed snake survives on a specialized diet of soft-bodied insects and relies on very precise temperature and humidity gradients that are difficult to reproduce in captivity. And the purple bush viper’s venom means it poses substantial health risks if mishandled.

Thus experts agree purple snakes are best left in the wild and not suitable pets for beginners. Public education efforts also discourage the exotic pet trade targeting these species to prevent unnecessary stress to wild populations already dealing with extensive habitat loss across Africa.

If you want to ethically admire these snakes up close, your best bet is to observe them in their natural habitats with qualified guides or visit accredited zoos and conservation centers that responsibly house and breed select species.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purple snakes are small, non-venomous colubrid snakes that have some very unique features like their namesake purple iridescent coloring. While not commonly seen, they play an important role in balancing ecosystems across the southern and western United States.

Hopefully this guide has shed some light on these fascinating reptiles and answered common questions about purple snakes!

The next time you come across one of these colorful critters, you can appreciate them for their beauty and value to nature. Just be sure to observe from a distance and don’t handle or disturb them. With increased awareness and habitat conservation, purple snakes can continue slithering through the sands for generations to come.