Record of Texas snakes, with photos and information. Information to figuring out snakes in Texas…
Introduction
Texas boasts a wealthy and numerous array of snake species, from the enduring rattlesnakes, sometimes present in deserts and grasslands, to the nonvenomous water snakes that inhabit the Lone Star State’s wetlands.
Snakes are fascinating animals that play an necessary half within the ecosystems of Texas, performing each as predators and prey. Though some snakes in Texas may be harmful, most are innocent, and only a few will assault except they really feel threatened.
In case you encounter a snake, stay at a protected distance and don’t try to the touch or provoke the animal. Comply with the guidelines additional down the web page when strolling in areas recognized to be inhabited by snakes.
Texas Snakes Index
Snakes: Additional Studying
Bullsnake
Scientific Identify: Pituophis catenifer sayi
Household: Colubridae
The bullsnake is a big, nonvenomous snake that reaches as much as 8 ft in size, making it not solely one of many largest species throughout the Colubridae household, but additionally one of many largest snakes of North America. A subspecies of gopher snake, its coloration varies from yellow to brown with distinctive black, brown, or reddish blotching.
Native to central and southwestern USA, the bullsnake thrives in prairies, farmlands, and deserts, the place it helps management rodent populations.
The bullsnake is thought for its aggressive protection techniques, which embrace hissing loudly and vibrating its tail to imitate a rattlesnake.
Coachwhip
Scientific Identify: Masticophis flagellum
Household: Colubridae
Coachwhips are slender, fast-moving snakes that may attain lengths of as much as 8 ft. They’re often brown, black, or pink in colour, and are named for his or her patterned scales, which resemble a braided whip.
The species inhabits numerous environments throughout the southern United States, together with forests, prairies, and savannas. It’s diurnal (energetic throughout the day), and hunts actively for lizards, small mammals, and birds.
The coachwhip is thought for its distinctive conduct of “periscoping” (elevating the pinnacle above floor stage) to survey its environment.
Each the japanese coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) and western coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum testaceus) subspecies are present in Texas.
Copperheads
Scientific Identify:
Household: Viperidae
Copperheads are medium-sized venomous snakes, often not exceeding 3 ft in size. They’ve distinctive darkish brown bands on a coppery-brown physique.
There are two copperhead species: the broad-banded copperhead (Agkistrodon laticinctus) and japanese copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Each species are present in Texas.
The bands of the broad-banded copperhead are extra distinctly coloured, much less hourglass-shaped, and extra straight-edged throughout the again than these of the japanese copperhead.
Copperheads are present in forests, rocky areas, and wetlands, their bands serving to them to mix in with their environment.
Each species have a comparatively delicate venom and are typically not aggressive, tending to freeze when threatened. Their food regimen primarily contains small rodents, birds, and bugs.
Copperheads belong to a bigger group of snakes, the genus Agkistrodon, which additionally accommodates cottonmouths and different, associated species.
Earth Snakes
Scientific Identify: easy earth snake: Virginia valeriae; tough earth snake: Virginia striatula
Household: Colubridae
The easy earth snake is a small species, seldom reaching greater than 10 inches in size. It has easy scales with a brown or brown-gray coloration, typically with a pink or reddish tinge, and small, faint darkish spots.
The species prefers moist, forested areas with ample leaf litter beneath which it might disguise. It’s secretive, nonvenomous, and primarily nocturnal, feeding on earthworms, slugs, and soft-bodied bugs.
The tough earth snake is analogous in dimension and look to the graceful earth snake, however may be distinguished by its keeled scales, which give the species a tough look.
Jap Racer
Scientific Identify: Coluber constrictor
Household: Colubridae
The Jap Racer is a slender, fast-moving, nonvenomous snake that may attain as much as 5 ft in size. It has easy scales and might differ in colour from blue, inexperienced, brown, to black.
Racers are widespread all through the japanese United States in habitats comparable to fields, farmlands, and open brush areas. They’re diurnal, energetic hunters that feed on bugs, rodents, birds, and different reptiles. Their pace and agility make them adept at escaping predators and catching fast prey.
The japanese racer snake has a number of subspecies. Subspecies present in Texas embrace: the buttermilk racer, tan racer and japanese yellowbelly racer.
Hognose Snakes
Scientific Identify: (genus) Heterodon
Household: Colubridae
Hognose snakes are a bunch (the genus Heterodon) of snakes named for his or her attribute upturned snouts (which resemble “hog noses”).
Hognose snakes sometimes vary from 14 to 46 inches in size, and have numerous colours and patterns, together with tan, brown, and olive with blotches or stripes.
Of the 4 hognose snake species, three are present in Texas: the Mexican hognose snake (H. kennerlyi); Western, or plains hognose snake (H. nasicus), and Jap hognose snake (H. platirhinos).
Hognose snakes are recognized for his or her distinctive defensive behaviors, elevating their heads off the bottom, hissing, and increasing their necks like a cobra when threatened. If this show fails, they are going to play useless.
Hognose snakes feed primarily on amphibians, particularly toads, and are resistance to the toxins that the amphibians secrete. The snakes are mildly venomous however typically innocent to people.
Kingsnakes
Scientific Identify: Lampropeltis spp.
Household: Colubridae
Kingsnakes are medium-sized snakes, typically reaching lengths of between 3 to five ft. They’ve easy scales, and exhibit quite a lot of colour patterns relying on the species, typically having bands, stripes, or speckles in several shades.
Kingsnakes are nonvenomous constrictors specializing in searching different snake species. Some kingsnakes are recognized to be resistant to the venom of pit vipers, and prey on venomous snakes. Additionally they eat rodents, birds, and eggs.
Kingsnake species discovered Texas embrace the desert kingsnake, prairie kingsnake and speckled kingsnake.
- The desert kingsnake sometimes has a black or darkish brown physique with light-colored bands or stripes operating down its size, typically resembling a chain-link sample. It’s present in a spread of habitats (not simply deserts, as its title suggests.)
- The prairie kingsnake has an analogous look however is paler in colour (mild grey) with darkish brown / orange blotches. It’s typically present in grassland habitats.
- The speckled kingsnake ranges in colour from black to brown, and has white or cream-colored speckles or spots on its scales.
Lengthy-Nosed Snake
Scientific Identify: Rhinocheilus lecontei
Household: Colubridae
The long-nosed snake is distinguishable by its lengthy, barely upturned snout and distinctive banding. Sometimes rising as much as 2.5 ft, it has a cream or light-colored physique with black banding and pink blotching.
Present in Texas and the southwestern United States, significantly in arid and semi-arid areas, the long-nosed snake typically inhabits sandy areas and grasslands. The species is nocturnal, feeding on small rodents, lizards, and generally eggs.
The Lengthy-Nosed Snake is nonvenomous and comparatively docile, typically burrowing into the sand to flee the warmth of the day.
Milk Snake
Scientific Identify: Lampropeltis triangulum
Household: Colubridae
The milk snake / milksnake is a non-venomous species of snake discovered throughout North and Central America. Characterised by vibrant colours and distinct banding patterns, it sometimes ranges from 20 to 60 inches in size.
At present, 24 subspecies of milk snake are acknowledged. Varieties present in Texas embrace the western milk snake, japanese milk snake, Louisiana milk snake and Mexican milk snake.
A milk snake’s easy scales are marked by alternating bands of pink, black, and yellow or white, resembling the venomous coral snake, which serves as a type of protecting mimicry.
Milk snakes are adaptable and inhabit numerous environments, from forests to grasslands. They’re nocturnal hunters, preying on small rodents, birds, and eggs. Attributable to their docile nature and placing look, they’re standard amongst reptile lovers.
Northern Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin
Scientific Identify: Agkistrodon piscivorus
Household: Viperidae
The northern cottonmouth, often known as the water moccasin, is a venomous snake that may attain lengths of as much as 4 ft. It’s heavy-bodied with a particular darkish, band-like sample on a background that could be brown, olive, or black.
Like all pit vipers, the northern cottonmouth has a “sixth sense” within the type of a heat-sensing organ situated in a pit between the attention and nostril on all sides of the pinnacle. Different pit vipers embrace lanceheads and rattlesnakes.
The northern cottonmouth is a semi-aquatic snake present in Texas and the southeastern United States. It frequents swamps, ponds, and rivers.
The species is venomous and may be aggressive when threatened, coiling its physique and displaying its fangs and the white inside its mouth (therefore the title, “cottonmouth”). It feeds primarily on fish and amphibians.
Rattlesnakes
Scientific Identify: Crotalus spp.
Household: Viperidae
Rattlesnakes are members of the pit viper subfamily Crotalinae recognized by the presence of a rattle – a cluster of dried scales – on the finish of the tail. When threatened, a rattlesnake vibrates its tail to supply its distinctive warning sound.
Like all vipers, rattlesnakes are venomous, and a chunk from a rattlesnake is doubtlessly deadly (though rarely-so if handled quickly). Though rattlesnakes hardly ever assault except provoked, further care needs to be taken in areas through which rattlesnakes are recognized to reside.
Rattlesnakes differ in dimension, colour, and sample, however typically exhibit a collection of darkish bands or diamonds alongside the physique. Native to the Americas, they occupy numerous habitats starting from deserts to forests.
Rattlesnakes play a vital position in ecosystems as predators controlling rodent populations. Like all pit vipers, they’ve a heat-sensing pit organ that aids in detecting warm-blooded prey.
Thirty-six species of rattlesnakes are at present acknowledged, round ten of that are present in Texas. The commonest rattlesnake in Texas is the western diamondback rattlesnake.
Examples of rattlesnakes present in Texas are listed under:
- Western diamondback rattlesnake
- Jap diamondback rattlesnake
- Prairie rattlesnake
- Timber rattlesnake
- Desert massasauga
- Jap massasauga
- Western massasauga
Ring-Necked Snake
Scientific Identify: Diadophis punctatus
Household: Colubridae
The ring-necked snake is a small, slender, non-venomous snake species, sometimes round 10 to fifteen inches lengthy. It has a particular yellow or orange ring round its neck, together with an identical stomach colour, contrasting towards its darkish grey, blue-black, or brown again.
The species is widespread throughout North America, inhabiting forested, grassland, and desert environments. It’s secretive and nocturnal, preying on small invertebrates like worms, slugs, and bugs.
If threatened, the ring-necked snake will curl its tail to disclose its shiny underside.
Texas Brown Snake
Scientific Identify: Storeria dekayi texana
Household: Colubridae
The Texas brown snake is a subspecies of brown snake (a species often known as De Kay’s brown snake) widespread in Texas and located as far north as Minnesota.
A small, nonvenomous species, the Texas brown snake hardly ever exceeding 15 inches in size. It has a brown or grayish background colour with darker spots down the again and a lighter-colored stomach.
The Texas brown snake inhabits wooded areas, meadows, and suburban yards. It’s typically discovered beneath rocks or logs, and feeds totally on earthworms and soft-bodied bugs. Its secretive nature and camouflage assist it keep away from predators.
Texas Coral Snake
Scientific Identify: Micrurus tener
Household: Elapidae
The Texas coral snake may be recognized by its shiny coloration of black, yellow, and pink bands. It’s one in all round 80 species of coral snakes present in North America.
The Texas coral snakes possess potent venom, and with out immediate medical therapy, a chunk from a coral snake may be life-threatening.
The mnemonic “pink on black, a buddy of Jack; pink on yellow, kill a fellow” can be utilized to differentiate between the venomous coral snake and a number of other non-venomous species with related coloration (together with the Texas scarlet snake and a few kingsnake species).
The rhyme refers back to the coloured bands on the snake’s physique; on a coral snake, the pink and yellow bands are touching; in non-venomous species, the pink and black bands are touching.
(The rhyme is just not at all times correct and shouldn’t be relied on for actual identification.)
Though people are recognized to achieve lengths of as much as 4 ft, most are round half this dimension.
The Texas coral snake prefers wooded, sandy, or marshy areas, primarily inside Texas and northeastern Mexico. It’s shy and reclusive, typically burrowing underground or hiding in leaf particles. It feeds primarily on different snakes and lizards.
Texas Garter Snake (Subspecies of Frequent Garter Snake)
Scientific Identify: Thamnophis sirtalis annectens
Household: Colubridae
The Texas garter snake is a subspecies of the widespread garter snake. It has an orange-red central stripe operating alongside the size of its again, and paler stripes alongside its sides, along with different pale spots. It grows to about 18 to 26 inches in size.
The species inhabits quite a lot of environments, together with marshes, streams, and woodlands throughout Texas. It’s energetic primarily throughout the day and feeds on earthworms, amphibians, and generally fish.
Texas Shiny Snake
Scientific Identify: Arizona elegans arenicola
Household: Colubridae
The Texas shiny snake, a Texas subspecies of Shiny Snake, is often 2 to 4 ft in size and ranges from pale tan to mild brown in colour with darker brown blotches. Its easy scales give it a shiny look.
This nonvenomous snake is discovered within the arid areas of the southwestern United States, the place it burrows into unfastened sandy soils. It’s nocturnal, rising at evening to feed on small rodents, lizards, and generally birds.
Texas Indigo Snake
Scientific Identify: Drymarchon melanurus erebennus
Household: Colubridae
The Texas indigo snake is a subspecies of indigo snake present in Texas and Mexico. One of many largest North American snakes, it’s recognized to achieve lengths of as much as 8 ft.
This Texas snake has a uniform shiny blue-black coloration with some people displaying reddish-orange coloring across the chin, cheeks, and throat. Its undersides are pale with a pinkish hue. It’s a nonvenomous diurnal predator that feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even different snakes, together with rattlesnakes.
The Texas indigo snake inhabits quite a lot of terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats.
Texas Lyre Snake
Scientific Identify: Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda
Household: Colubridae
The Texas lyre snake is a medium-sized snake, typically reaching lengths of as much as 3 ft. It has a pale grey or brown background colour with darker brown or reddish blotches down the center of the again that will kind a lyre or ‘V’ form.
Discovered within the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the Texas lyre snake inhabits deserts and rocky terrain comparable to outcrops and cliffs.
This nocturnal species preys on lizards, small mammals, and birds. It’s mildly venomous, though its chunk is just not thought of harmful to people.
Texas Scarlet Snake
Scientific Identify: Cemophora lineri
Household: Colubridae
The Texas scarlet snake is a small, burrowing snake that reaches lengths of about 14 to 25 inches. It has a particular tri-color sample of pink, black, and white or yellow bands. The species’ vivid coloration resembles that of a Texas coral snake.
The mnemonic “pink on black, a buddy of Jack; pink on yellow, kill a fellow” can be utilized to differentiate between the nonvenomous Texas scarlet snake and the venomous Texas coral snake. (The rhyme, which isn’t at all times correct, refers back to the colours of the bands on the respective snakes’ our bodies. On the venomous species, the pink bands are subsequent to the yellow bands.)
The Texas scarlet snake is discovered within the southeastern United States, significantly in Texas, inside pine forests and sandy soils. It’s nocturnal and preys totally on different reptiles’ eggs, comparable to lizards and snakes, utilizing its pointed snout to excavate nests.
Water Snakes
Scientific Identify: Nerodia spp.
Household: Colubridae
Water snakes are a bunch (the genus Nerodia) of non-venomous and largely aquatic snakes discovered all through North America. They’re thick-bodied, medium to giant snakes with flat heads, small eyes and keeled (ridged) scales.
Discovered close to freshwater habitats comparable to lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout North America, water snakes are proficient swimmers that feed totally on fish and amphibians. When threatened, they are often aggressive and can chunk, though they’re typically innocent to people.
Attributable to their dimension and choice for aquatic habitats, water snakes are sometimes mistaken for venomous cottonmouths.
A number of species of water snakes are present in Texas, together with the plain-bellied water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster); diamond-backed water snake (Nerodia rhombifer); southern water snake / banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata); and inexperienced water snake (Nerodia cyclopion).
- The plain-bellied water snake may be recognized by its lack of distinct markings and pale stomach.
- The diamond-backed water snake has darkish, vaguely diamond-shaped blotches alongside its olive-green again.
- The southern, or banded, water snake has large, darkish bands on a lighter background, though the markings are laborious to discern on some darker people.
- The inexperienced water snake is recognized by its greenish or olive-colored physique.
Mud Snake
Scientific Identify: Farancia abacura reinwardtii
Household: Colubridae
The western mud snake is a big species (sometimes 40 to 54 inches in size) acknowledged by its shiny, black scales and shiny pink or pink underside. It inhabits the southeastern United States, primarily dwelling in swamps, marshes, and the slow-moving streams of river floodplains.
This secretive, nocturnal snake is nonvenomous and preys on aquatic amphibians, particularly sirens and amphiumas, which it swallows entire.
Western Rat Snake / Texas Rat Snake
Scientific Identify: Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri
Household: Colubridae
The Texas rat snake is a subspecies of western rat snake present in Texas and surrounding states. It’s a nonvenomous constrictor that grows to lengths of round 5 ft, and has a sample of darkish brown or black blotches on a lighter brown or grey background.
The Texas rat snake is present in numerous environments from wooded areas to rocky hills and agricultural fields. It preys on rodents and birds, climbing bushes skillfully in pursuit of prey or to flee threats.
Western Ribbon Snake
Scientific Identify: Thamnophis proximus
Household: Colubridae
The western ribbon snake is a slender snake between 17 and 50 inches in size. It’s sometimes black or darkish brown with three shiny yellow stripes operating the size of its physique.
Frequent within the central United States, the western ribbon snake favors habitats close to water comparable to streams, ponds, and marshes. It’s nonvenomous and energetic throughout the day, feeding on small fish and amphibians.
Suggestions For Staying Protected In Snake Areas
When strolling in areas recognized for snakes, comply with these security precautions to attenuate the possibilities of a destructive snake encounter:
- Put on Protecting Clothes: Use thick boots and lengthy pants to defend towards bites.
- Stick with Clear Paths: Keep away from tall grass and underbrush the place snakes could disguise.
- Watch Your Step: Rigorously look the place you step or attain, particularly close to logs or rocks.
- Use a Stick: Faucet forward of you to alert snakes of your method, giving them time to maneuver away.
- Keep Calm: In case you encounter a snake, stay calm and slowly again away; don’t provoke it.
- Be Conscious of Seasons: Snake exercise can enhance in hotter months.
- Be taught About Native Snakes: Understanding which snakes are venomous can help in emergency response if bitten.
Uncover Extra About Snakes With Energetic Wild
You could find out extra about snakes and associated animals on the next pages:
You could find out extra about snakes on this web page: Snake Info
Uncover various kinds of snakes on this web page: Varieties of Snakes
You could find out extra about reptiles on this web page: Reptiles – The Final Information
Uncover various kinds of reptiles on this web page: Varieties of Reptiles