Trans-Pecos Black-Headed Snake
Tantilla cucullata
One of the largest black-headed snakes, a slender tan species with a bold black hood found in West Texas canyon country.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 25-38 cm (10-15 in)
- Range
- Trans-Pecos Texas and adjacent northern Mexico
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Overview
The Trans-Pecos Black-Headed Snake is among the largest members of the genus Tantilla, reaching noticeably greater lengths than most of its relatives. It occupies the arid canyon and mountain habitats of far West Texas.
Like other black-headed snakes, it is rear-fanged and secretive, rarely encountered despite being locally common in suitable rocky habitat.
How to identify it
- Slender, uniform tan to grayish-brown body
- Bold black head cap extending onto the neck, often with a pale nuchal collar
- Larger overall size than most other Tantilla species
- Smooth scales, small head barely wider than the neck
- Distinguished from smaller relatives partly by size and range
Habitat & range
Found in rocky canyons, mountain slopes, and desert grassland of the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas and adjacent Coahuila, Mexico.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, hiding under rocks and surface litter by day. Preys on centipedes and other invertebrates using mild venom. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the largest black-headed snake?
It is among the largest species in the genus Tantilla, though still a small snake overall.
Is it dangerous to people?
No, its venom is adapted for small invertebrate prey and poses no real danger to humans.
Where is it found?
In rocky canyons and mountains of the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas.
Trans-Pecos Black-Headed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Trans-Pecos Black-Headed Snake.
