Yaqui Black-Headed Snake
Tantilla yaquia
A small, secretive snake of southeastern Arizona's mountain canyons, with a tan body and dark head cap.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 18-28 cm (7-11 in)
- Range
- Southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico
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Overview
The Yaqui Black-Headed Snake reaches the United States only in the sky-island canyons of southeastern Arizona, with the bulk of its range extending south into the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. It is named for the Yaqui River region.
It is a small, fossorial colubrid rarely seen due to its secretive habits and limited, localized US range.
How to identify it
- Small, slender tan to light brown body
- Dark brown to black cap over the head, sometimes with a pale collar behind it
- Smooth scales, cylindrical body
- Pale, unmarked venter
- Similar to other Tantilla species; range in the US is limited to a few Arizona mountain ranges
Habitat & range
Found in oak-pine woodland canyons and rocky foothills of the sky-island mountains of southeastern Arizona, extending south through Sonora into the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and fossorial, hiding under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, most active during warm, moist periods. Feeds on centipedes and other invertebrates. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yaqui Black-Headed Snake found widely in the US?
No, in the US it is restricted to a few mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona.
Is it dangerous?
No, it is a small, mildly venomous species harmless to humans.
What habitat does it prefer?
Oak-pine woodland canyons and rocky foothills in sky-island mountain ranges.
Yaqui Black-Headed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Yaqui Black-Headed Snake.
