Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

At a length of up to 25”, this is the largest of the Tantilla in the USA. The 2 former subspecies, T. rubra diabola and T. rubra cucullata have now been coalesced under the current species name of T. cucullata giving us 2 very different looking populations. 1 has a full black head and nape (Trans-Pecos region). The other has a black head, a white collar and then a wide black neck band and a white spot on the upper labial (lip) scale posterior to the eye (Devil’s River region). These snakes are grayish-brown to brown dorsally with white bellies. Scales smooth in 15 rows.

Unique Features:

At a length of up to 25”, this is the largest of the Tantilla in the USA. The 2 former subspecies, T. rubra diabola and T. rubra cucullata have now been coalesced under the current species name of T. cucullata giving us 2 very different looking populations. 1 has a full black head and nape (Trans-Pecos region). The other has a black head, a white collar and then a wide black neck band and a white spot on the upper labial (lip) scale posterior to the eye (Devil’s River region). These snakes are grayish-brown to brown dorsally with white bellies. Scales smooth in 15 rows.

Habitat and Diet:

Grasslands, rocky hillsides, pine woodlands. Primarily feeds on Small centipedes and insect larvae.

Geographic Range:

TX