Chihuahuan
Blackhead Snake (Tantilla wilcoxi)
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Chihuahuan
Blackhead Snake (Tantilla wilcoxi) |
Color Photographs: © by and courtesy of Gary Nafis
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Tantilla hobartsmithii Black of crown extending 1 to 2 small scale rows past the rear margins of the large parietal scales at the rear margin of the head. Neck without a distinct white collar with a black rear margin.
Tantilla yaquia Black of crown extending 3 or 4 small scale rows past the rear margins of the large parietal scales at the rear margin of the head. White collar present, but not as distinct and narrower, without a rear black margin. Chihuahuan Blackheaded Snake (Tantilla wilcoxi) Identification: Snake 7 to 14 inches in length. Dorsal and lateral body brown in color. Head with a contrasting and distinctive black cap, black ending at the rear margins of the parietal scales at the back margin of the head. Rear margin of head bordered by a distinct white band margined in its rear by a narrow black band. Rear margin of black crown extending nearly to the rear mouth angle. Scales smooth, anal plate divided. Geographical Variation: None. Range (see map below): The Chihuahuan Blackhead Snake is a Mexican species extending northward into extreme southeastern Arizona. Habitat: This species is found in shady canyons or in evergreen oak - pine woodlands. Food: Little known, but probably small insects and other invertebrates. Behavior: The Chihuahuan Blackhead Snake is nocturnal and rarely seen. It spends the day light hours under rocks, logs, and large, dead plants such as yuccas and agaves. Reproduction: Unknown.
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Chihuahuan Blackhead Snake
Similar Species: Southwestern
Blackhead Snake Yaqui Blackhead Snake (Tantilla yaquia)
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Similar Species: |
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