There are tons of types of snakes in Indiana! The remarkable thing about them all is that they are quite distinctive and have evolved to fit into various environments and niches.
Here in our post, you’ll discover that Indiana’s snake population is highly diversified.
Some of these types of snakes in Indiana employ constriction to render their prey immobile, while others are venomous.
Or the reality that certain snakes choose to live extremely near to humans while others are rarely seen because they spend most of their lives underground.
Let’s go to learn about the different types of snakes in Indiana today!
1. Midland Water Snake
Midland Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis) are frequently sighted in Indiana. This kind of snake is aquatic in nature and has a distinctively dark body.
The largest size of these types of snakes in Indiana can reach 51 inches, with the typical snake in the state being about 40 inches long.
The Midland Water Snake can be identified by its dark, square-shaped markings. In the state, this non-venomous snake is found close to freshwater sources.
The snake is drawn to areas with quiet, slow-moving water, such as ponds and tiny streams. It is possible to eat frogs and fish here.
Midland Water Snakes that inhabit watery habitats near forests also eat salamanders. Like other members of its genus, this snake is renowned for possessing prominent dorsal keeling.
2. Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), also called The Banded Water Snake, is also on our list of types of snakes in Indiana, distinguished by a bright brown-yellow body with dark brown crossbands.
This species can reach a maximum length of several feet and, if not killed by humans or predators, can live in the wild for a year.
One of the types of snakes in Indiana that inhabits the areas around ponds and streams is the northern water snake.
The snake, occasionally seen in marshes, is suited to consuming the prey it finds in or near water.
Fish and crayfish are the primary aquatic prey species in clear, uncontaminated water. This species is also known to eat insects and birds as an adult.
3. Chicago Garter Snake
The longest documented length of a Chicago Garter Snake (Thamnophis semifasciatus) is 39 inches. These snakes are small to medium-sized in size.
These types of snakes in Indiana have evolved to survive in climates with harsh winters. Even on bright winter days, it emerges in search of warmth from the sun.
As adults, Chicago Garter snakes consume fish and reside near bodies of water.
Slugs and earthworms are the diet of young Chicago Garter Snakes. Due to the fact that their habitat near water also draws other predators like owls, many baby snakes do not survive predation.
4. Eastern Garter Snake
In Indiana, the predominant species is the medium- to large-sized Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis).
This species prefers regions with high humidity levels but can survive in dry and humid environments.
It can be found around streams and in places like the borders of woods. Throughout the state, many adult Eastern Garter Snakes never reach a length of more than 26 inches.
Eastern Garter Snakes are more common in areas with low, dense foliage because these areas provide abundant food.
Some of the snake’s favorite species in humid environments are frogs and toads. The immature Eastern Garter Snake frequently eats earthworms.
This species is somewhat poisonous to tiny prey like frogs and rodents but not venomous to humans.
5. Gray Rattlesnake
Gray rattlesnakes, or Pantherophis spiloides, are some of Indiana’s largest types of snakes. These snakes can reach lengths of up to six feet, depending on their growth pattern.
This species inhabits the southern regions of Indiana, home to hardwood woods and streams with abundant trees along their banks.
Grey Ratsnakes are excellent climbers who can obtain a variety of prey, such as birds, and the eggs they lay in tree nests.
Because of this, young gray rattlesnakes have a different diet and are less adept climbers. They consume only little lizards and frogs.
6. Black Rattlesnakes
Still on our blog list are types of snakes in Indiana that live close to woodlands, such as the black rattlesnake (Pantherophis obsoletus).
In Indiana, black rattlesnakes are native to deciduous trees like oaks.
This type of snake, which loves to swim, can also be found along streams and ponds that are next to forests. They scale trees with branches hanging over the water or that are near bodies of water.
Although they don’t have poison, black rattlesnakes can bite. This is a species that subdues its predators by constriction.
Before consuming its meal, it suffocates until the normal blood flow stops. With a maximum lifespan of 15 years, black rattlesnakes are among the species with the longest lifespans in the state.
7. Northern Brown Snake
The Storeria dekayi dekayi, or northern brown snake, is a widespread native species of tiny snake.
This snake is similar to other small brown snakes, such as red-bellied snakes, in appearance.
On the other hand, the ventral color of these types of snakes in Indiana is pale, not red. Northern Brown Snakes are a tiny species that can reach a maximum size of 6-7 inches.
They can be seen in ditches beside highways or beneath leaf litter in wooded areas.
When a female Northern Brown Snake reaches the minimum age of two, she gives birth to live young. One mated female gives birth to up to 31 live young each summer.
8. Midland Brown Snake
The distinctive brown color of Midland Brown Snakes (Toreria dekayi wrightorum) is complemented by gray undertones on the sides and a deeper brown color on the dorsal surface.
The lateral markings on this snake are also dark brown. One of the most frequent locations for these types of snakes in Indiana sightings is swamps.
The Cottonmouth Snake, sometimes confused with the Midland Brown Snake, is a snake that likewise inhabits marshes and has a similar size and coloring.
The Midland Brown Snake, a non-venomous species, is the northern variation of the native North American Dekay’s Brown Snake, which is well-known for consuming snails and slugs.
Although this species typically overwinters during the chilly winter months in the North, on milder nights, it may venture outside at night to search for food.
9. Ring Necked Snake
Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus) are nocturnal animals like Midland Brown Snakes.
One of the smallest types of snakes in Indiana is this one. Its habitats are damp places with easily moved soil.
Since they can be adapted to arid conditions in Southern states, Ring-necked Snakes are only found in Northern states like Indiana.
This little snake species can be easily identified thanks to its bright, contrasting neckband, as its name implies. You can get this neckband in orange, red, or yellow.
These tiny types of snakes in Indiana, which can only reach a maximum length of a few inches, eat only earthworms and other similarly sized, soft-bodied prey like slugs.
Although not poisonous, this species uses its toxic saliva and other predatory strategies, including constriction, to attack small prey.
10. Eastern Racer Snake
Throughout the state, Eastern Racer Snakes, or Blue Racers (Coluber constrictor foxii), are another name for them.
This species has white or cream ventral coloring and dark grey dorsal coloring, with blue undertones on the sides.
As a non-venomous species, blue racer snakes like partially or completely open fields as their home. The species, which is nocturnal by nature, is threatened in the northern part of the state.
These types of snakes in Indiana are steady and one of the known predators of tiny snakes and rats in Indiana.
Because of its open environment, other predators easily spot this species when it moves. Among the most frequent predators of juvenile Blue Racers are foxes and owls.
11. Southern Black Racer Snake
Like Blue Racers, these black snakes (Coluber constrictor priapus) are nocturnal. Although they are not poisonous, Southern Black Racers are notorious for their hostile tendencies in Indiana.
It’s not even advisable to handle this snake because it bites repeatedly. The species is not a good pet snake because of its excruciating bite.
Southern Black Racers consume several kinds of field animals and invertebrates. They are carnivores.
These types of snakes in Indiana enjoy eating mice, frogs, and rats. Instead of encircling its prey to constriction, this particular kind of snake pushes its favorite prey all the way to the ground, where it suffocates it.
12. Red Milk Snake
Red milk snakes, or Lampropeltis triangulum syspila, are next on our list of types of snakes in Indiana.
Red milk snakes are native to North America and distinguished by their brown or red saddles set on a white, gray, or cream base.
This striking species is easily distinguished by its black borders around its scarlet saddles. Red milk snakes range in size from tiny to medium.
This species rarely reaches more than 30 inches in real life, yet some of the largest specimens can reach over 50 inches.
Red milk snakes, a non-venomous species, are real constrictors. They consume mice and reptiles (especially reptiles), but only after smothering their meal by encircling it with their body.
13. Eastern Milk Snake
The local Milk Snake has a subspecies known as the Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum).
These native Indiana Milk Snake varieties may have different colors, such as the red saddle coloration of the Milk Snake.
Grey or gray-brown in color, Eastern Milk Snakes have dark brown saddles with black edges. Like Milk Snakes, Eastern Milk Snakes are non-venomous.
This does not negate the species’ aggression, as evidenced by its occasional biting attempts.
Before biting, these types of snakes in Indiana usually hiss and wag their tails. Eastern Milk Snakes can reach a maximum length of 36 inches; the largest specimens are seen in extreme cases.
Hawks and raccoons are the main predators of young Eastern Milksnakes.
14. Eastern Hognose Snake
In Indiana, the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is classified as one of the mildly poisonous species.
Although these snakes are thought to be non-venomous, their saliva is poisonous and resembles that of several amphibians that are only mildly venomous.
Unless there is a specific kind of allergic reaction, people do not react to these venoms. In this instance, skin edoema around the bite site is anticipated.
The poisonous saliva of Eastern Hognose Snakes is used to harm small prey. Placing this snake’s back teeth on its upper jaw may lead some people to believe it is poisonous.
Numerous monikers, such as Poison Viper and The Black Viper Snake, have sprung from this. These nicknames aren’t evasive regarding their position as poisonous snakes.
15. Queen Snake
The non-venomous queen snake (Regina septemvittata) has a unique diet. Like queen snakes, no other snake species in Indiana is known to favor a particular kind of prey.
These types of snakes in Indiana solely consume crayfish. Their favorite diet is fresh crayfish that have just molted because this stage of life provides certain nutrients.
Like crayfish, queen snakes are also susceptible to changes in the quality of the water. When really hungry, these snakes may also search for other foods, primarily fish.
Queensnakes have a brumation stage during the winter. The snake is not moving at this moment.
Around bodies of water is where queen snake brumation is most prevalent. These are hidden, protected areas.
16. Rough Green Snake
Some of the tiniest species of insectivorous types of snakes in Indiana include rough green snakes (Opheodrys aestivus).
Their dorsal color is uniformly brilliant green, resembling the color of flora. The distinguishing feature of this contrast snake is its pale cream or white underside.
Rough-legged green snakes search for food in trees and on the ground. They are particularly well-known for consuming small insects, ants, and spiders as food.
For food, rough green snakes may also scale trees. They would rather not climb every day because it exposes them to possible predators.
Rough green snakes are often preyed upon by birds due to their tendency to climb trees.
Although it is uncommon, this snake can bite when touched. Their bites don’t hurt or contain any poison.
17. Eastern Worm Snake
Eastern Worm Snakes (Carphophis amoenus) are one of the rare types of snakes in Indiana that can be found in gardens.
The greatest specimen of this tiny fossorial snake, which reaches a maximum length of 13 inches, is only 10 to 11 inches in size.
This snake is unique in having a red ventral color and a brown or black dorsal color.
The East Worm Snake is primarily found in settings near bodies of water, yet even during the day, it remains incredibly reticent.
The loose ground allows the fossorial species to roam freely for food. As such, it travels short distances every day.
Among the snakes on whom people have a significant influence are eastern worm snakes. Using pesticides in their environment can cause them harm or even death.
Even some Eastern Worm Snakes are killed by vehicles on nighttime roadways.
18. Black King Snake
One of the rare black species in the state is the black king snake (Lampropeltis nigra). The base color of an adult Black King snake is black, with yellow scales.
These golden stripes or scales on the dorsal side are absent in juveniles. On certain young Black Kingsnakes, there are also minor variations in color.
For instance, they may have grayscales on the sides, which are absent in adults. Given that it can reach a minimum size of 50 inches, the species is also one of Indiana’s biggest types of snakes.
A few of the biggest Black Kingsnakes grow to a staggering 71 inches in length. Male adults are typically slightly longer than female adults.
19. Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix, or eastern copperhead snakes, are indigenous to Indiana. When a human sees this particular snake species, it recognizes itself by freezing.
The ability of their brown or brown-red coloring to blend in is what allows Eastern Copperheads to remain undetected.
Although bites from this snake are rare, it first exhibits no aggression. Even though they are not lethal, bites from venomous Eastern Copperheads frequently need medical attention.
Eastern Copperheads are thought to be less hazardous than other poisonous species, although their bites can still deliver lethal venom.
Injections of venom do not support certain Eastern Copperhead bites.
The Eastern Copperhead is a tiny snake that consumes a variety of small invertebrates and vertebrates.
These snakes, which are unique to Southern Indiana, are usually nocturnal, especially during the hot summer months. In the autumn, they can become diurnal.
20. Eastern Ribbon Snake
Within the state, the smaller species that inhabit the areas around bodies of water include Eastern Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis saurita sauritus).
This snake is just about 30 inches long. Although female Eastern Ribbon Snakes have larger bodies than males, males are longer than females.
Because of their broader skulls, both sexes can swallow prey more easily.
These types of snakes in Indiana can be found near bodies of water like ponds and streams and are generally brown with cream stripes running from the head to the end of the tail.
Despite not being poisonous, Eastern Ribbon Snakes would rather avoid contact with humans when they see them.
Making the most of their colors for camouflage, they either remain motionless or walk slowly into the forest.
It takes these snakes at least three years to produce live young, as it takes the females that long to attain sexual maturity.
21. Northern Ribbon Snake
In the state, regions next to bodies of water are home to the brown snake (Thamnophis saurita septentrionalis) with yellow stripes.
The species, which is endemic to only a few places, lives on the ground in marshes and near streams.
As an adult, its size variety is smaller and has a tiny stature. It is a species with a thin build that reaches a maximum size of 20 to 26 inches.
Snakes can swim at all stages of their lives. Because they lack experience, juveniles prefer to consume little frogs and other invertebrates.
Juveniles can be distinguished by their smaller bodies, which range in size from 9 to 20 inches.
Because adult Northern Ribbon Snakes can swim quite well, they can consume fish in addition to frogs, tadpoles, and toads.
During the summer, gravid Northern Ribbon Snakes are visible, as this is when they mate and give birth to live young snakes.
22. Gopher Snake
Gopher Snake is next on our list of types of snakes in Indiana. This big snake’s dorsal side is just colored gray and brown (Pituophis catenifer).
The ventral color of gopher snakes is distinctly yellow with brown markings.
Because of their similar dorsal colors, this snake can be mistaken for Prairie snakes and poisonous rattlesnakes that don’t have a rattle.
Another way in which it resembles a rattlesnake is by mimicking a deadly animal with its tail shake.
Gopher snakes employ various strategies, such as impersonating a bite, to ward off predators. They move their prey, even those who have their lips shut.
Gopher Snakes rarely coexist in their habitat with deadly rattlesnakes, even though they may resemble their behavior and even their coloring.
In Indiana, gopher snakes are among the longest-living species. They can live for at least 15 years if they have enough food.
23. Loggerhead Snake
One of the poisonous types of snakes in Indiana is the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). The Brown County State Park is home to most of the state’s 100 timber rattlesnakes.
They rank among Indiana’s most hazardous snake species and the most venomous in the United States.
This type of snake has either black or brown crossbands with a gray or brown background color.
The normal food of timber rattlesnakes includes small animals. They frequently hunt on birds and rats, among other creatures.
It may search for birds or squirrels in trees and eat prey on the ground. On smaller juvenile Timber Rattlesnakes, slight dietary variations are observed.
Young animals are limited to catching small prey like shrews.
24. Red-Bellied Snake
The crimson ventral color of the crimson-bellied Snake (Storeria ) is the source of the species name. This is a fossorial snake, one of Indiana’s lesser types of snakes.
Juvenile Red-bellied Snakes are 4 inches long, growing to a maximum length of 10 inches. Most red-bellied snakes inhabit forests, which naturally have greater humidity levels.
This is the same ecosystem where slugs inhabit. Although they remain hidden beneath leaves at ground level when they are not in the ground, red-bellied snakes are frequently spotted on rocks or limestone.
For Red-bellied Snakes, ground dampness is a permanent necessity of their environment. This species always flees from dry locations to moist ones because it follows the moisture.
25. Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia Valerie, or smooth earth snakes, are one of the state’s most prevalent fossorial smooth species.
The Smooth Earthsnake gets its name because of its smooth scales, which set it apart from other Brown Snakes.
These types of snakes in Indiana grow to a maximum of 10 inches, a reduced size. The smooth earthquake is a species of snake that can be plentiful in wet woodland environments but rare elsewhere.
The predominant coloration of smooth earth snakes is light brown and gray. The coloring of young and Smooth Earth Snakes differs slightly from one another. Young people have patterns.
26. Grey Kirkland’s Snake
The gray Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) has black dots on its dorsal surface. In late summer, groups of up to 22 of these 6-inch snakes are born.
This genus of snakes is native to the state and inhabits wet areas. Its favorite area is the woods.
The perfect habitat for the snake and its typical prey is created by marshes and swamps adjacent to woods.
Among the common prey of Kirtland’s Snake in humid environments are salamanders and toads. Adult Kirtland’s Snakes also consume minnows, a kind of freshwater fish.
27. Eastern Foxsnake
This species (Pantherophis vulpinus), a gray and dark gray snake, is distinguished by its ventral coloring, which has a checkerboard pattern.
This snake, which lives in plains and the vicinity of woods, resembles the Western Fox Snake.
Foxsnakes in the east devour tiny animals. They eat birds, mice, and rabbits, among other things. It is conceivable for certain larger prey that this snake consumes to become constricted.
Since they prey on rodents that damage farms, some people view eastern fox snakes as advantageous to the ecosystem.
Additionally, these types of snakes in Indiana may carry diseases. Therefore, it’s unclear how safe they are in populated regions or near crops.
28. Western Fox Snake
In the state, the habitats of the Eastern and Western fox snakes (Pantherophis ramspotti) are nearly identical. This non-venomous species can be found in both dry and humid environments.
These snakes are drawn to areas with crops, prairies, or open fields near forests. Because they are not afraid of people or domesticated animals, these snakes can be found on farms and in suburban settings.
Frogs are not as popular as mice and rabbits in the diets of Western Fox Snakes.
Like other types of snakes in Indiana, Western Fox Snakes may try to imitate rattlesnake behavior to give the impression that they are poisonous and dangerous.
Tail rattling is a technique used in imitation. The snake usually exhibits this kind of imitation when facing a predator or being startled by people.
29. Plain Bellied Water Snake
The Plain bellied water snake is also on our list of types of snakes in Indiana, a colubrid aquatic snake that inhabits a variety of settings close to freshwater.
The native habitats of the species are rivers and their adjacent lands, including floodplains and historic floodplains.
The Plain-bellied Watersnake is unique in its gray or dark olive-green color. This species’ black dorsal side is contrasted with a yellow and uncommon red ventral color.
The name of this species comes from its consistent ventral yellow color. Despite being an effective predator, species that coexist in their habitat eat Plain-bellied Watersnakes.
Fish like bass and cottonmouth snakes consume young Plain-bellied Watersnakes.
This one is one of the rare types of snakes in Indiana that travel to dryland once it detects the presence of water predators nearby.
3o. The Plains Kingsnake
The Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster) is among the frequent snakes in Indiana that are mistaken for other types of snakes.
The ventral color of Prairies Kingsnakes is yellow, just like that of Plain-bellied Watersnakes.
The species can be distinguished from other similar snakes with blotching and gray or brown dorsal coloring by its color.
Prairies Kingnsnakes can occasionally be found in open spaces next to forests. In their habitat, being close to a water source is frequently necessary.
This species’ rattling tail often causes it to be mistaken for a rattlesnake in the state. This mimicking strategy is used by the species that does not coexist with rattlesnakes in its habitat.
According to the species, the average size of a prairie kingsnake is 35 inches. Although these types of snakes in Indiana are calm, handling them roughly could result in a bite.
Conclusion
There are distinct species of snakes in the large state of Indiana. These snakes all have diverse habitat preferences and contribute to the fragile ecological balance.
While some of these types of snakes in Indiana use constriction, others use venom to render their victims unconscious.
The state’s southern sections are home to the venomous Eastern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake, while the tiny but poisonous Eastern Massasauga prefers moist environments.
The Plain-bellied Watersnake and Common Water Snake are two non-venomous types of snakes in Indiana that are frequently seen near water sources.
The Queen Snake offers a charming element to the snake community with its predilection for running water and voracious appetite for crayfish.
Indiana is home to just one poisonous water snake, the Northern Cottonmouth.
Additionally, the Diamond-backed Watersnake is a frequent visitor to the freshwater environments of southwest Indiana.
A beloved and well-known sight to many locals, the non-venomous Eastern Garter Snake is seen throughout the entire state.
