Color Photograph: © by and courtesy of Jack Goldfarb

Trans-Pecos Rat Snake (Bogertophis subocularis)

Identification: Snake 34 to 66 inches in length. Ground color olive-yellow to yellow-brown. Head without markings and eyes very large, appearing "pop-eyed". Back with a series of black, dorsal "H-shaped" patches, patches becoming two black lines near the neck and head. Scales weakly keeled and anal plate divided.

Geographical Variation: None.

Range (see map at left): The Trans-Pecos Rat Snake is a species of the Chihuahuan Desert occurring in western Texas and south-central New Mexico stretching southward into northern Mexico.

Habitat: This species occurs in arid regions dominated by creosote bush, agave, and acacia or semiarid habitats characterized by shin oak, persimmon, and cedar.

Food: Small mammals, birds, and lizards.

Behavior: The Trans-Pecos Rat Snake is nocturnal. It appears to favor rocky areas. It kills its prey by constriction.

Reproduction:  The clutch consists of 3 to 7 eggs laid in the summer.

Trans-Pecos Rat Snake (Bogertophis subocularis)

Similar Species:

The unmarked head with the "pop-eyed" eyes and the h-shaped black markings along the back of the body are distinctive.

Similar Species

No Similar Species