Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Ground color of this long (to 5+ feet), slender, alert, and agile brushland snake is gray to blue-gray. It has 4 lengthwise stripes, 2 dorsolaterally and 2 laterally. Several rows of dorsal scales between the 2 upper stripes have an almost hidden cream spot on the anterior (attached) edge. The throat is white with orange spotting. The sides of the throat are orange. The belly is multicolored—off-white anteriorly, blue-gray posteriorly, and red-orange on the underside of the tail. This snake is an agile climber and may often be seen basking while elevated in the branches of a shrub. Scales smooth in 15 rows. Oviparous. Hatchlings look much like adults.

Unique Features:

It has 4 lengthwise stripes, 2 dorsolaterally and 2 laterally. Several rows of dorsal scales between the 2 upper stripes have an almost hidden cream spot on the anterior (attached) edge.

Habitat and Diet:

Prefers sandy, dry, open lots, fields, and woodlands. Often seen in shrubs along grassy roadsides. Primarily feeds on Lizards, small snakes, mice, nestling birds.

Geographic Range:

TX