Alternate Name(s):

Striped-snake

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

A secretive burrowing species, this 18” long snake also seeks seclusion beneath piles of vegetative debris and other trash. The three wide, smooth edged, brown to black stripes contrast sharply with the tan ground color. A light stripe runs along each side of the snout, over the eye to the back of the otherwise black head. The belly is bright orange. Scales smooth in 19 rows. Incubation is abbreviated (38-46 days) and hatchlings are similar in appearance to the adult

Unique Features:

The three wide, smooth edged, brown to black stripes contrast sharply with the tan ground color. A light stripe runs along each side of the snout, over the eye to the back of the otherwise black head. The belly is bright orange.

Habitat and Diet:

Open fields and short brush. Occasionally found crawling on irrigated lawns agricultural areas. Primarily feeds on Amphibians, lizards and nestling mice.

Geographic Range:

TX,