California Lyresnake
Trimorphodon lyrophanes
Slender body with broad head; average adult length ranges from 24 - 36 inches long (61 - 91 cm). Brown to gray dorsum easily camouflages well into surrounding habitat. Di…
How to identify
Slender body with broad head; average adult length ranges from 24 - 36 inches long (61 - 91 cm). Brown to gray dorsum easily camouflages well into surrounding habitat. Displays around 35 dark blotches on dorsum. Namesake lyre shape exhibited on head. Belly varies from whitish to yellowish and possesses dark blotches. Vertical, cat-like pupils. Breeding habits not widely known.
Range
California and Mexico; from southern California southward through Baja California Peninsula. Also found on Danzante, Cerralvo, San Marcos, San José, and Tiburón islands.
Habitat
Found in rocky habitats including canyons, mesas, desert grassland, woodland, and desert shrub. Generally stays in rocky upland areas. During the day, stay hidden in crevices.
Variations
Subspecies Sonoran Lyresnake, or *Trimorphodon lambda*, displays fewer blotches on dorsum than subspecies California Lyresnake, or *Trimorphodon lyrophanes*. Blotches on Sonoran Lyresnake separated more than those on California Lyresnake.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Lyrophanes: Greek for visible (phaneros) lyre (lyro).
At a glance
Range
California and Mexico; from southern California southward through Baja California Peninsula. Also found on Danzante, Cerralvo…
Habitat
Found in rocky habitats including canyons, mesas, desert grassland, woodland, and desert shrub. Generally stays in rocky upla…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap