Common Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/100ds.jpg)
Description
Physical
Our smallest snake species, they can reach lengths of about 45 centimeters (18 inches) but most specimens are well under 30 centimeters.
Slender build, smooth scales, distinctive sharp point at tip of tail that gives the species it's name. Anal plate divided. Round pupils. Often mistaken for worms.
Color and Pattern
usually reddish above, sometimes tan in older individuals. Lighter thin dorsolateral stripes. Belly banded with alternating black and cream bands.
Diet
This is a good snake to around your garden, they eat slugs and grubs and small insects.
Habitat
Likes small clearings in riparian habitat and coniferous forests. They like damp soil and rotting logs, retreating underground when the weather becomes dry. Often found under rocks and logs and trash during the spring and fall.
Frequently a communal species, it is not uncommon to find multiple specimens sharing the same cover.
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR.
Museum records taken from following institution: MVZ Herps.
Probably restricted to the western portion of Shasta County. Extremely common in the valley.
Typical Elevation
We do not yet have enough records from distinct localities to calculate typical elevation. We need 9 more distinct localities.
Reproduction and Young
Presumably mates in the Spring. Lays eggs, presumably in summer. May nest communally.
Neonates are incredibly small and very brightly colored compared to adults.
Additional Information
Notes
Until recently, the common name for this species was simply Sharp-tailed Snake. However, that species has recently been split based upon physical characteristice, preferred habitat, and genetic evidence (Feldman and Hoyer 2010). The population in Shasta County is now known as the Common Sharp-tailed Snake but retains the original latin name.
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/34sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
3 specimens found together under a piece of cardboard. Lake Shasta City, CA
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/35sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Belly shot demonstrating the high contrast banding. Note the pointed tail that gives the species its' name. Near Redding, CA
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/50sm.jpg)
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/58sm.jpg)
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/94sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Sometimes these snake curl up into a ball when exposed.
Salt Creek. Redding, CA
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/100sm.jpg)
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/110sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Young Sharp-tailed snakes are very small and quite vividly colored. Redding, CA.
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake]](/images/119sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Gravid female. This adult female is full of eggs that undoubtedly will be laid very soon. Early April, 2010. Redding, CA
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
![[Common Sharp-tailed Snake habitat]](/images/93sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Sharp-tailed Snakes often live in rotting logs and tree stumps, which provide both a humid environment and a food supply. Salt Creek. Redding, CA
![[Sponsor ShastaHerps.org]](/images/SherpBanner2.png)
