Trans-pecos Ratsnake
Bogertophis subocularis
Dorsum either orange, yellow, or light olive. Head usually resembles dorsum base color. Dark brown blotches resembling an "H" shape run down back. Belly is cream colored.…
How to identify
Dorsum either orange, yellow, or light olive. Head usually resembles dorsum base color. Dark brown blotches resembling an "H" shape run down back. Belly is cream colored. Possesses weakly keeled dorsal scales and divided anal scale. Adult length ranges from 76-140 cm (30-55 in). Eggs hatch 9 to 15 weeks after mating; average clutch size is between 3 and 11 eggs.
Range
South Central United States and Northern Mexico from southern New Mexico and southwestern Texas through Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango and Nuevo Leon.
Habitat
Prefers rocky, dry areas ranging from basins to valleys to woodland. During the day, will stay in crevasses in rocks or underground.
Variations
Some individuals exhibit light stripes instead of solid white or cream color under tail.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Subocularis: Latin for below (sub) the eye (oculus), referencing the lorilabial scales below each eye.
At a glance
Range
South Central United States and Northern Mexico from southern New Mexico and southwestern Texas through Chihuahua, Coahuila,…
Habitat
Prefers rocky, dry areas ranging from basins to valleys to woodland. During the day, will stay in crevasses in rocks or under…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap