Listing of Texas snakes, with footage and info. Information to figuring out snakes in Texas…
Advent
Texas boasts a wealthy and various array of snake species, from the enduring rattlesnakes, in most cases present in deserts and grasslands, to the nonvenomous water snakes that inhabit the Lone Celebrity State’s wetlands.
Snakes are interesting animals that play the most important phase within the ecosystems of Texas, performing each as predators and prey. Despite the fact that some snakes in Texas may also be unhealthy, maximum are innocuous, and only a few will assault until they really feel threatened.
If you happen to come across a snake, stay at a protected distance and don’t try to contact or impress the animal. Practice the ideas additional down the web page when strolling in spaces recognized to be inhabited through snakes.
Texas Snakes Index
Snakes: Additional Studying
Bullsnake
Medical Identify: Pituophis catenifer sayi
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The bullsnake is a huge, nonvenomous snake that reaches as much as 8 toes in duration, making it no longer most effective one of the crucial biggest species inside the Colubridae circle of relatives, but additionally one of the crucial biggest snakes of North The us. A subspecies of gopher snake, its shade varies from yellow to brown with unique black, brown, or reddish blotching.
Local to central and southwestern USA, the bullsnake prospers in prairies, farmlands, and deserts, the place it is helping regulate rodent populations.
The bullsnake is understood for its competitive protection techniques, which come with hissing loudly and vibrating its tail to imitate a rattlesnake.
Coachwhip
Medical Identify: Masticophis flagellum
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
Coachwhips are slim, fast-moving snakes that may succeed in lengths of as much as 8 toes. They’re generally brown, black, or red in colour, and are named for his or her patterned scales, which resemble a braided whip.
The species inhabits more than a few environments around the southern United States, together with forests, prairies, and savannas. It’s diurnal (lively throughout the day), and hunts actively for lizards, small mammals, and birds.
The coachwhip is understood for its unique conduct of “periscoping” (elevating the pinnacle above flooring stage) to survey its environment.
Each the jap coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) and western coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum testaceus) subspecies are present in Texas.
Copperheads
Medical Identify:
Circle of relatives: Viperidae
Copperheads are medium-sized venomous snakes, generally no longer exceeding 3 toes in duration. They have got unique darkish brown bands on a coppery-brown frame.
There are two copperhead species: the broad-banded copperhead (Agkistrodon laticinctus) and jap 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 around the again than the ones of the jap copperhead.
Copperheads are present in forests, rocky spaces, and wetlands, their bands serving to them to mix in with their environment.
Each species have a somewhat delicate venom and are most often no longer competitive, tending to freeze when threatened. Their nutrition basically comprises small rodents, birds, and bugs.
Copperheads belong to a bigger staff of snakes, the genus Agkistrodon, which additionally comprises cottonmouths and different, similar species.
Earth Snakes
Medical Identify: easy earth snake: Virginia valeriae; tough earth snake: Virginia striatula
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The easy earth snake is a small species, seldom achieving greater than 10 inches in duration. It has easy scales with a brown or brown-gray shade, continuously with a red or reddish tinge, and small, faint darkish spots.
The species prefers wet, forested spaces with plentiful leaf muddle underneath which it could cover. It’s secretive, nonvenomous, and basically nocturnal, feeding on earthworms, slugs, and soft-bodied bugs.
The tough earth snake is identical in dimension and look to the graceful earth snake, however may also be outstanding through its keeled scales, which provide the species a coarse look.
Japanese Racer
Medical Identify: Coluber constrictor
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Japanese Racer is a slim, fast-moving, nonvenomous snake that may succeed in as much as 5 toes in duration. It has easy scales and will range in colour from blue, inexperienced, brown, to black.
Racers are not unusual all the way through the jap United States in habitats similar to fields, farmlands, and open brush spaces. They’re diurnal, lively hunters that feed on bugs, rodents, birds, and different reptiles. Their velocity and agility lead them to adept at escaping predators and catching fast prey.
The jap racer snake has a number of subspecies. Subspecies present in Texas come with: the buttermilk racer, tan racer and jap yellowbelly racer.
Hognose Snakes
Medical Identify: (genus) Heterodon
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
Hognose snakes are a gaggle (the genus Heterodon) of snakes named for his or her feature upturned snouts (which resemble “hog noses”).
Hognose snakes in most cases vary from 14 to 46 inches in duration, and feature more than a few colours and patterns, together with tan, brown, and olive with blotches or stripes.
Of the 4 hognose snake species, 3 are present in Texas: the Mexican hognose snake (H. kennerlyi); Western, or plains hognose snake (H. nasicus), and Japanese 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’re going to play lifeless.
Hognose snakes feed basically on amphibians, particularly toads, and are resistance to the toxins that the amphibians secrete. The snakes are mildly venomous however most often innocuous to people.
Kingsnakes
Medical Identify: Lampropeltis spp.
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
Kingsnakes are medium-sized snakes, most often achieving lengths of between 3 to five toes. They have got easy scales, and show off various colour patterns relying at the species, continuously having bands, stripes, or speckles in numerous sun shades.
Kingsnakes are nonvenomous constrictors specializing in searching different snake species. Some kingsnakes are recognized to be proof against the venom of pit vipers, and prey on venomous snakes. Additionally they devour rodents, birds, and eggs.
Kingsnake species discovered Texas come with the desolate tract kingsnake, prairie kingsnake and speckled kingsnake.
- The desolate tract kingsnake in most cases has a black or darkish brown frame with light-colored bands or stripes working down its duration, continuously similar to a chain-link trend. It’s present in a spread of habitats (no longer simply deserts, as its title suggests.)
- The prairie kingsnake has a equivalent look however is paler in colour (mild grey) with darkish brown / orange blotches. It’s continuously present in grassland habitats.
- The speckled kingsnake levels in colour from black to brown, and has white or cream-colored speckles or spots on its scales.
Lengthy-Nosed Snake
Medical Identify: Rhinocheilus lecontei
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The long-nosed snake is distinguishable through its lengthy, reasonably upturned snout and unique banding. Normally rising as much as 2.5 toes, it has a cream or light-colored frame with black banding and purple blotching.
Present in Texas and the southwestern United States, specifically in arid and semi-arid areas, the long-nosed snake continuously inhabits sandy spaces and grasslands. The species is nocturnal, feeding on small rodents, lizards, and every so often eggs.
The Lengthy-Nosed Snake is nonvenomous and somewhat docile, continuously burrowing into the sand to flee the warmth of the day.
Milk Snake
Medical Identify: Lampropeltis triangulum
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The milk snake / milksnake is a non-venomous species of snake discovered throughout North and Central The us. Characterised through colourful colours and distinct banding patterns, it in most cases levels from 20 to 60 inches in duration.
These days, 24 subspecies of milk snake are identified. Types present in Texas come with the western milk snake, jap milk snake, Louisiana milk snake and Mexican milk snake.
A milk snake’s easy scales are marked through alternating bands of purple, black, and yellow or white, similar to the venomous coral snake, which serves as a type of protecting mimicry.
Milk snakes are adaptable and inhabit more than a few environments, from forests to grasslands. They’re nocturnal hunters, preying on small rodents, birds, and eggs. Because of their docile nature and putting look, they’re well-liked amongst reptile fanatics.
Northern Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin
Medical Identify: Agkistrodon piscivorus
Circle of relatives: Viperidae
The northern cottonmouth, often referred to as the water moccasin, is a venomous snake that may succeed in lengths of as much as 4 toes. It’s heavy-bodied with a particular darkish, band-like trend on a background that can be brown, olive, or black.
Like several pit vipers, the northern cottonmouth has a “6th sense” within the type of a heat-sensing organ situated in a pit between the attention and nose on each and every aspect of the pinnacle. Different pit vipers come with 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 also be competitive when threatened, coiling its frame and exhibiting its fangs and the white within its mouth (therefore the title, “cottonmouth”). It feeds basically on fish and amphibians.
Rattlesnakes
Medical Identify: Crotalus spp.
Circle of relatives: Viperidae
Rattlesnakes are participants of the pit viper subfamily Crotalinae known through the presence of a rattle – a cluster of dried scales – on the finish of the tail. When threatened, a rattlesnake vibrates its tail to provide its unique caution sound.
Like several vipers, rattlesnakes are venomous, and a chunk from a rattlesnake is doubtlessly deadly (despite the fact that rarely-so if handled all of a sudden). Despite the fact that rattlesnakes hardly ever assault until provoked, further care must be taken in spaces wherein rattlesnakes are recognized to are living.
Rattlesnakes range in dimension, colour, and trend, however most often show off a sequence of darkish bands or diamonds alongside the frame. Local to the Americas, they occupy numerous habitats starting from deserts to forests.
Rattlesnakes play a crucial position in ecosystems as predators controlling rodent populations. Like several pit vipers, they have got a heat-sensing pit organ that aids in detecting warm-blooded prey.
Thirty-six species of rattlesnakes are these days identified, round ten of which can be present in Texas. The most typical rattlesnake in Texas is the western diamondback rattlesnake.
Examples of rattlesnakes present in Texas are indexed beneath:
- Western diamondback rattlesnake
- Japanese diamondback rattlesnake
- Prairie rattlesnake
- Bushes rattlesnake
- Barren region massasauga
- Japanese massasauga
- Western massasauga
Ring-Necked Snake
Medical Identify: Diadophis punctatus
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The hoop-necked snake is a small, slim, non-venomous snake species, in most cases round 10 to fifteen inches lengthy. It has a particular yellow or orange ring round its neck, at the side of an identical abdominal colour, contrasting towards its darkish grey, blue-black, or brown again.
The species is well-liked throughout North The us, inhabiting forested, grassland, and desolate tract 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 show its vibrant underside.
Texas Brown Snake
Medical Identify: Storeria dekayi texana
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas brown snake is a subspecies of brown snake (a species often referred to as De Kay’s brown snake) not unusual in Texas and located as a ways north as Minnesota.
A small, nonvenomous species, the Texas brown snake hardly ever exceeding 15 inches in duration. It has a brown or grayish background colour with darker spots down the again and a lighter-colored abdominal.
The Texas brown snake inhabits wooded spaces, meadows, and suburban yards. It’s continuously discovered underneath 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
Medical Identify: Micrurus tener
Circle of relatives: Elapidae
The Texas coral snake may also be known through its vibrant shade of black, yellow, and purple bands. It’s considered one of round 80 species of coral snakes present in North The us.
The Texas coral snakes possess potent venom, and with out advised clinical remedy, a chunk from a coral snake may also be life-threatening.
The mnemonic “purple on black, a pal of Jack; purple on yellow, kill a fellow” can be utilized to differentiate between the venomous coral snake and a number of other non-venomous species with equivalent shade (together with the Texas scarlet snake and a few kingsnake species).
The rhyme refers back to the coloured bands at the snake’s frame; on a coral snake, the purple and yellow bands are touching; in non-venomous species, the purple and black bands are touching.
(The rhyme isn’t at all times correct and must no longer be depended on for actual identity.)
Despite the fact that people are recognized to succeed in lengths of as much as 4 toes, maximum are round part this dimension.
The Texas coral snake prefers wooded, sandy, or marshy spaces, basically inside of Texas and northeastern Mexico. It’s shy and reclusive, continuously burrowing underground or hiding in leaf particles. It feeds basically on different snakes and lizards.
Texas Garter Snake (Subspecies of Not unusual Garter Snake)
Medical Identify: Thamnophis sirtalis annectens
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas garter snake is a subspecies of the not unusual garter snake. It has an orange-red central stripe working alongside the duration of its again, and paler stripes alongside its facets, at the side of different light spots. It grows to about 18 to 26 inches in duration.
The species inhabits various environments, together with marshes, streams, and woodlands throughout Texas. It’s lively basically throughout the day and feeds on earthworms, amphibians, and every so often fish.
Texas Shiny Snake
Medical Identify: Arizona elegans arenicola
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas shiny snake, a Texas subspecies of Shiny Snake, is in most cases 2 to 4 toes in duration and levels from light tan to mild brown in colour with darker brown blotches. Its easy scales give it a sparkly look.
This nonvenomous snake is located within the arid areas of the southwestern United States, the place it burrows into free sandy soils. It’s nocturnal, rising at evening to feed on small rodents, lizards, and every so often birds.
Texas Indigo Snake
Medical Identify: Drymarchon melanurus erebennus
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas indigo snake is a subspecies of indigo snake present in Texas and Mexico. One of the crucial biggest North American snakes, it’s recognized to succeed in lengths of as much as 8 toes.
This Texas snake has a uniform shiny blue-black shade with some people exhibiting reddish-orange coloring across the chin, cheeks, and throat. Its undersides are light with a pinkish hue. This can be a nonvenomous diurnal predator that feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, or even different snakes, together with rattlesnakes.
The Texas indigo snake inhabits various terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats.
Texas Lyre Snake
Medical Identify: Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas lyre snake is a medium-sized snake, most often achieving lengths of as much as 3 toes. It has a light grey or brown background colour with darker brown or reddish blotches down the center of the again that can shape a lyre or ‘V’ form.
Discovered within the southwestern United States and northerly Mexico, the Texas lyre snake inhabits deserts and rocky terrain similar to outcrops and cliffs.
This nocturnal species preys on lizards, small mammals, and birds. It’s mildly venomous, despite the fact that its chunk isn’t thought to be unhealthy to people.
Texas Scarlet Snake
Medical Identify: Cemophora lineri
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas scarlet snake is a small, burrowing snake that reaches lengths of about 14 to twenty-five inches. It has a particular tri-color trend of purple, black, and white or yellow bands. The species’ brilliant shade resembles that of a Texas coral snake.
The mnemonic “purple on black, a pal of Jack; purple 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 at the respective snakes’ our bodies. At the venomous species, the purple bands are subsequent to the yellow bands.)
The Texas scarlet snake is located within the southeastern United States, specifically in Texas, inside of pine forests and sandy soils. It’s nocturnal and preys totally on different reptiles’ eggs, similar to lizards and snakes, the usage of its pointed snout to excavate nests.
Water Snakes
Medical Identify: Nerodia spp.
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
Water snakes are a gaggle (the genus Nerodia) of non-venomous and in large part aquatic snakes discovered all the way through North The us. They’re thick-bodied, medium to huge snakes with flat heads, small eyes and keeled (ridged) scales.
Discovered close to freshwater habitats similar to lakes, rivers, and wetlands throughout North The us, water snakes are gifted swimmers that feed totally on fish and amphibians. When threatened, they are able to be competitive and can chunk, despite the fact that they’re most often innocuous to people.
Because of their dimension and desire for aquatic habitats, water snakes are continuously flawed 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 also be known through its loss of distinct markings and light abdominal.
- The diamond-backed water snake has darkish, vaguely diamond-shaped blotches alongside its olive-green again.
- The southern, or banded, water snake has broad, darkish bands on a lighter background, despite the fact that the markings are arduous to discern on some darker people.
- The inexperienced water snake is known through its greenish or olive-colored frame.
Dust Snake
Medical Identify: Farancia abacura reinwardtii
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The western dust snake is a huge species (in most cases 40 to 54 inches in duration) identified through its shiny, black scales and vibrant purple or red underside. It inhabits the southeastern United States, basically living 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 complete.
Western Rat Snake / Texas Rat Snake
Medical Identify: Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The Texas rat snake is a subspecies of western rat snake present in Texas and surrounding states. This can be a nonvenomous constrictor that grows to lengths of round 5 toes, and has a trend of darkish brown or black blotches on a lighter brown or grey background.
The Texas rat snake is located in more than a few environments from wooded spaces to rocky hills and agricultural fields. It preys on rodents and birds, mountain climbing bushes skillfully in pursuit of prey or to flee threats.
Western Ribbon Snake
Medical Identify: Thamnophis proximus
Circle of relatives: Colubridae
The western ribbon snake is a slim snake between 17 and 50 inches in duration. It’s in most cases black or darkish brown with 3 vibrant yellow stripes working the duration of its frame.
Not unusual within the central United States, the western ribbon snake favors habitats close to water similar to streams, ponds, and marshes. It’s nonvenomous and lively throughout the day, feeding on small fish and amphibians.
Pointers For Staying Secure In Snake Spaces
When strolling in spaces recognized for snakes, observe those protection precautions to reduce the possibilities of a unfavourable snake come across:
- Put on Protecting Clothes: Use thick boots and lengthy pants to defend towards bites.
- Stick with Transparent Paths: Steer clear of tall grass and underbrush the place snakes might cover.
- Watch Your Step: Moderately glance the place you step or succeed in, particularly close to logs or rocks.
- Use a Stick: Faucet forward of you to alert snakes of your way, giving them time to transport away.
- Keep Calm: If you happen to come across a snake, stay calm and slowly again away; don’t impress it.
- Be Conscious about Seasons: Snake process can build up in hotter months.
- Be told About Native Snakes: Figuring out which snakes are venomous can assist in emergency reaction if bitten.
Uncover Extra About Snakes With Lively Wild
You’ll to find out extra about snakes and similar animals at the following pages:
You’ll to find out extra about snakes in this web page: Snake Info
Uncover various kinds of snakes in this web page: Kinds of Snakes
You’ll to find out extra about reptiles in this web page: Reptiles – The Final Information
Uncover various kinds of reptiles in this web page: Kinds of Reptiles