Range
Southern United States and Northern Mexico starting in southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and central Texas southward through Mexico to Hidalgo.
Habitats
Found in pine forests, canyons, slopes, open woodland, prairies, savannas, and shrublands. Diet includes reptile eggs, small mammals, small snakes, and lizards.
Identification
Dorsum is cream or tan and exhibits two black or brown stripes running down back. Venter usually cream but can show faint pink under tail. Eyes are especially large with round pupils. Average length under 900 mm or 36 inches. Body scales are smooth and snout scale is enlarged and triangular in shape. Females and males usually mate in the spring; females lay eggs in August. Clutch size ranges from 5 to 10 eggs.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians