Western Lyre Snake
Trimorphodon lyrophanes
A slender, big-eyed nocturnal snake of desert canyons and rocky slopes, named for the lyre-shaped mark atop its head.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.1 m (2-3.5 ft)
- Range
- Southwestern United States (California, Arizona) and northwestern Mexico
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Overview
The western lyre snake inhabits arid rocky terrain across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it forages at night among rock crevices and canyon walls. Its name comes from a distinctive lyre- or V-shaped marking on the top of its head.
It is a rear-fanged, mildly venomous species that uses its venom to subdue small prey; it is not considered dangerous to humans.
How to identify it
- Light gray to tan dorsal color with dark brown saddle-shaped blotches
- Distinctive lyre- or V-shaped dark marking on top of the head
- Large, prominent eyes with vertical, cat-like pupils
- Slightly enlarged head compared to the neck
- Distinguished from gopher snakes by its vertical pupils and lyre-shaped head marking
Habitat & range
Inhabits rocky desert canyons, boulder-strewn slopes, and arid scrubland from low to moderate elevations across the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and rock-dwelling, hunting lizards, bats, and small mammals in rocky crevices. Uses mild venom delivered through rear fangs to subdue prey. Egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the western lyre snake dangerous to humans?
No, its mild venom is meant for small prey and is not a serious concern to people.
Why is it called a lyre snake?
It has a lyre- or V-shaped dark marking on top of its head.
Where does it live?
It inhabits rocky desert canyons and slopes in the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico.
What does it eat?
It preys on lizards, bats, and small mammals.
Western Lyre Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Western Lyre Snake.
