Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

This 2 to 3 foot long snake is immune to the venom of pit vipers. Red saddles are edged with broad black bands. Belly largely black. Ground color off-white or white. Black nose flecked with gray or white. Very secretive. Hides beneath surface debris (especially flat rocks, tin, and lumber), and occasionally behind loose bark shards on standing trees (especially pines), or in rotting stumps. May become surface active on warm rainy nights, especially during the spring breeding season. Oviparous. Hatchlings similar to adults. The black and white nose, candy cane body color, and range Use range to assist in identification.

Unique Features:

Red saddles are edged with broad black bands. Belly largely black. Ground color off-white or white. Black nose flecked with gray or white.

Habitat and Diet:

Very secretive. Hides beneath surface debris (especially flat rocks, tin, and lumber), and occasionally behind loose bark shards on standing trees (especially pines), or in rotting stumps. Feeds largely on lizards but also preys on nestlings of ground nesting mammals and birds, amphibians, and small snake.

Geographic Range:

TX,NM