Texas Scarletsnake

Range

This scarletsnake can only be found in southern Texas. Its range does not merge with other types of scarletsnakes.

Habitats

These snakes are secretive and can often be found in areas of hardwood, or pine woodland, and open areas with sandy soils. They also thrive in the dry prairie, sandhills, bottomland forests, swamp areas, plowed and abandoned fields, and roadsides. The Texas scarletsnake may be found individually under rocks or logs. The females lay their eggs in moist humus or various other underground sites. The Texas scarletsnake prefers feeding on eggs but can eat small rodents and lizards.

Identification

This is a nonvenomous, medium-sized snake. It is the largest scarletsnake of the species and can grow to a length of 26 inches. The background color can be either gray or white with 13-18 red blotches bordered by black. The major difference between this species and others in coloration is that the black borders do not join in the sides. The underside is typically gray or white. This snake has seven supralabial scales and enlarged posterior maxillary teeth.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians