Black-striped Snake

(Coniophanes imperalis)

Black-striped Snake (Coniophanes imperialis)

Identification: Snake 12 to 20 inches in length. A small, light brown to yellow brown snake with a black stripe down the back and and wide black band down either side of the body. Top of the head gray-brown with a light yellow stripe running through the head and neck over the eye. Scales on upper lip yellow with small, black spots. Scales smooth and anal plate divided.

Geographical Variation: None in the United States

Range (see map on left): The Black-striped Snake is a tropical species entering the United States in extreme southeastern Texas near Brownsville.

Habitat: This species is found in dry, coastal brushy areas.

Food: Small rodents, frogs, lizards, and snakes.

Behavior: The Black-striped Snake is a nocturnal species also active during the dawn and dusk. This species is seldom seen, hiding in the soil or deep in the vegetation during the day. It has rear, grooved fangs with venom it uses to imobilize its prey. Its bite is not dangerous to humans, but in some cases can produce localized swelling, numbness, or a burning feeling.

Reproduction:  The clutch consists of 2 to 10 eggs laid between April and June.

Black-striped Snake (Coniophanes imperialis)

The combination of the black stripes on a light brown background, the yellow stripe over the eye, the smooth scales, and its limited range in extreme southeastern Texas should easily identify this species.

Similar Species:

Garter Snakes (Thamnophis species)