Black-striped Snake
Coniophanes imperialis
This small, slender snake grows to 12-18 inches in length. It has smooth scales and a narrow head. Its dorsum is patterned with sharply defined dark brown longitudinal st…
How to identify
This small, slender snake grows to 12-18 inches in length. It has smooth scales and a narrow head. Its dorsum is patterned with sharply defined dark brown longitudinal stripes separated by light brown; a thin central stripe down the back that begins at the neck, and thick lateral stripes down its sides that begin at the tip of the snout and pass through the eyes. Its ventrum is typically solid pinkish orange in color.
Range
Range stretches along the Gulf Coast from the southern tip of Texas through coastal Mexico into Central America.
Habitat
This nocturnal snake burrows underground or hides under logs or vegetation during the day. It prefers habitats with loose, sandy substrate, and particularly likes piles of decomposing cacti. It will sometimes wedge itself into the cracks of dry soil, and has been found around construction sites.
Variations
Shades of brown vary. Some are more contrasted with light tan and chocolate brown, while others are shades of medium brown. Ventrum can be yellow instead of pinkish orange.
Similar species
This snake is not likely to be confused with any other species found in south Texas. It is most similar to species that are only found in Mexico and Central America, such as the adorned graceful brown snake (*Rhadinaea decorata*) or faded black-striped snake (*Coniophanes schmidti*). It somewhat resembles the red-bellied snake (*Storeria occipitomaculata*) and lined snake (*Tropidoclonion lineatum*).
Name and etymology
Imperialis: Latin for imperial or kingly.
At a glance
Range
Range stretches along the Gulf Coast from the southern tip of Texas through coastal Mexico into Central America.
Habitat
This nocturnal snake burrows underground or hides under logs or vegetation during the day. It prefers habitats with loose, sa…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap