Black-striped Snake
Coniophanes imperialis
A small, secretive tan snake with dark longitudinal stripes, found in brushy lowlands of southern Texas and Mexico.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft)
- Range
- Southern Texas (USA) through eastern Mexico to Central America
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Overview
The black-striped snake is a diminutive colubrid inhabiting thorn scrub and coastal plains from the Rio Grande Valley south through Mexico and into parts of Central America. It is rarely encountered due to its small size and secretive, nocturnal habits.
Though it possesses mildly toxic saliva delivered through enlarged rear teeth, it poses no meaningful threat to people and is considered harmless in practical terms.
How to identify it
- Slender body, tan to olive-brown ground color
- Two or more dark brown to black longitudinal stripes running the length of the body
- Pale, often yellowish belly
- Small head barely wider than the neck, round pupils
- Distinguished from garter snakes by its smoother, glossier scales and more uniform striping
Habitat & range
Found in thorn scrub, coastal prairie, and moist lowlands, often near ponds, resacas, or irrigation ditches in southern Texas and throughout much of Mexico's Gulf lowlands into Central America.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, spending days under debris, leaf litter, or rocks. Feeds primarily on small frogs and toads. Egg-laying, with small clutches typical of its diminutive size.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black-striped snake dangerous?
No, it is mildly venomous with rear fangs but poses no real danger to humans.
Where does it live?
It occurs in southern Texas and throughout eastern Mexico into Central America, favoring brushy, moist lowlands.
What does it eat?
It preys mainly on small frogs and toads.
Is it active during the day?
No, it is nocturnal and spends daylight hours hidden under cover.
Black-striped Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-striped Snake.
