Definition

Noun 1. A species of nonvenomous North American snake: Opheodrys vernalis is the scientific name for a specific, small to medium-sized snake species. It is commonly known as the smooth green snake. This definition refers to the biological organism itself.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The biologist carefully handled the Opheodrys vernalis to record its measurements.
  • A key identifying feature of Opheodrys vernalis is its uniformly bright green dorsal coloration.
  • The conservation status of Opheodrys vernalis is a concern in some parts of its range.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The name is always used in italics in scientific writing, with the genus () capitalized and the species epithet () in lowercase.
  • The study compared the habitat preferences of Opheodrys vernalis with those of Opheodrys aestivus.

Variants and Related Words

• Smooth green snake (n): The common English name for .
  • We spotted a smooth green snake basking on the rock.
• Opheodrys (n): The genus to which this species belongs, which also includes the rough green snake ().
• Colubrid (n): The family (Colubridae) of snakes to which belongs.

Synonyms

• Smooth green snake: The direct common name equivalent.
• Grass snake: A general common name sometimes used for small, green, nonvenomous snakes, though this can refer to other species.

Related Terms (Scientific/Technical)

• Herpetology (n): The branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles, including snakes like .
• Dorsal (adj): Relating to the upper side or back. Used to describe the snake's green color on its back.
• Insectivorous (adj): Feeding on insects. This describes the primary diet of .

Noun

1. of western and central United States