Texas Lyresnake
Trimorphodon vilkinsonii
A slender, rear-fanged desert snake with large eyes and a distinctive lyre-shaped mark on top of its head.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Trans-Pecos Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico
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Overview
The Texas Lyresnake is a rear-fanged colubrid of rocky desert terrain in the Trans-Pecos and adjacent Mexico. It takes its name from the pale, lyre- or V-shaped marking on the crown of the head.
It is a nocturnal, cliff-dwelling species well adapted to rugged canyon and mountain habitats.
How to identify it
- Slender gray to tan body with a series of dark brown blotches
- Distinctive pale lyre- or V-shaped mark on top of the head
- Large eyes with vertically elliptical pupils, unusual among colubrids
- Slightly flattened head wider than the neck
- Smooth scales
Habitat & range
Found on rocky canyon walls, cliffs, and boulder-strewn desert slopes in the Chihuahuan Desert of Trans-Pecos Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Strictly nocturnal and an excellent climber, often found on rock faces and canyon walls at night. Feeds on lizards and small mammals, subduing prey with mild rear-fang venom. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Texas Lyresnake dangerous to humans?
It is only mildly venomous via rear fangs and poses little to no threat to people.
What does the head marking look like?
A pale lyre- or V-shaped pattern on top of the head, giving the species its name.
Where is it typically found?
On rocky canyon walls and cliffs in the Trans-Pecos and Chihuahuan Desert region.
Texas Lyresnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Texas Lyresnake.
