Sonoran Lyre Snake

Range

This snake can be located in most of southern Arizona and are typically located towards the western part of the state.

Habitats

They have been found in rocky habitats above the flats. They are nocturnal but bask during warm days during spring and fall. Their diet is made of mammals, reptiles, birds among others. They lay in clutches comprising of about twenty eggs. These are given birth to late in the summer.

Identification

These are medium-sized snakes which grow to about 1,026 mm at the adult stage. They are light grey-brown or grey. They have a distinct dark brown lyre-shaped marking on their heads. They also have a dark bar which crosses the middle of their eyes. They usually have a mean of twenty-four dark, orange-brown, jagged-edged blotching on their backs. These snakes also have broad heads which are easily distinguishable from their slim necks. They have big eyes with vertically elliptical pupils. Little dark markings can also be noticed on the sides of the snake’s body. These can be seen through the middle of the main markings. It has been noticed that their undersides have dark brown markings.

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