Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Appropriately named, there is no mistaking this brown, vine thin, 4 to 5’ long partially arboreal serpent. The color theme is some shade of brown above, grayish below, with a whitish throat, whitish upper labials (lip scales), and a variably distinct dark eyestripe. It bluffs by opening its mouth wide and facing the perceived threat. The mouth interior is a startling jet black. When foraging this snake tends to move haltingly, advancing about a few inches to a foot at a time with its head well elevated, and waving back and forth like a branch in a breeze. Although it can climb well, it is often only a few feet above ground when foraging but is well able to ascend to treetops. Prey, lizards. Oviparous.

Unique Features:

Vine thin, sharp-nosed, brown above, white below, with a black mouth interior.

Habitat and Diet:

Trailside shrubs or other areas where lizards abound. Prey, lizards.

Geographic Range:

AZ