TEXAS HILL COUNTRY SNAKES
There is a rocky, high area on the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau that is known as the Texas Hill country. 42 of the 77 snake species that are native to the state may be found in the Hill Country. The majority of the natural species in the region are innocuous, however the Hill Country is home to six severely toxic snakes.
Species of Miniature Size
In the Texas Hill Country, only a few snake species grow to be more than 3 feet long, and many are less than 2 feet. The earthworm- and slug-eating ringneck (Diadophis punctatus), brown (Storeria dekayi), and red-bellied snakes are among the most often seen species (S. occipitomaculata).
Among the lesser-known species are various forms of black-headed snake (Tantila sp. ), two threadsnakes (Leptotyphlops sp. ), and the long-nosed snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei). Opheodrys aestivus, often known as rough green snakes, is a slender, green snake that lives in trees and feeds on insects.
Watersnakes, Garter Snakes, and Ribbon Snakes are all types of snakes.
The Hill Country is home to three species of Nerodia watersnakes that prey on frogs and fish: the diamondback (Nerodia rhombifer), plain-bellied (Nerodia erythrogaster), and banded water snakes (N. fasciata).
Three different species of garter snake (Thamnophis sp.) are found in the region as well, and although they are not as closely linked to real watersnakes as they are to other snakes, they do have a strong connection to water. In addition, one species of ribbon snake (T. proximus) is found in the region.
In order to tell the difference between the two species, look at the top lip scales, which have black patterns on the garter snakes but are immaculate on the ribbon snakes.
Species on the Prowl
Several prowling animals seek for food in the broad open spaces of the Texas Hill Country. Three different species of whipsnakes (Masticophis sp.) live in the region, including the very huge coachwhip (M. flagellum), and its primary prey is lizards.
Also on the lookout are Eastern racers (Coluber constrictor). Snakes that prey on lizards and other snakes in the area, as well as insects and other snakes. The western indigo snake (Drymarchon corais) is the biggest of the prowling species, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet.
Constrictors of a Large Size
Many huge, non-venomous constricting species may be found in the Texas Hill Country. Trans-Pecos ratsnakes (Bogertophis subocularis) and three species of Pantherophis ratsnakes (Baird’s (P. bairdi), eastern (P. obsoleta), and prairie ratsnakes (P. obsoleta) are found in the region (P. guttatus). Ratsnakes (Pituophis catenifer) and gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) constrict their rodent food, whereas grey-banded (Lampropeltis alterna) and common kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) devour snakes and lizards.
Milksnakes (L. triangulum) are relatives of kingsnakes that prey on rodents and lizards. Although glossy snakes (Arizona elegans) are not as large as some of the rat and gopher snakes, they are capable of constricting their rodent and reptile prey.
Snakes that are poisonous
The Hill Country is home to three types of rattlesnakes: the banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus), the western diamdonback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), and the black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus).
These snakes prey on lizards, mice, and birds. Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous) and copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) are two more pit vipers that are often seen around permanent water sources.
The Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener), which is a cousin of cobras and mambas, is a tiny, nocturnal snake-eating species that lives in Texas and the surrounding areas.
Snakes that are venomous
Rattlesnakes are not the only poisonous snakes found in Texas, despite the fact that they are by far the most abundant and tend to strike dread into the hearts of many Texans.
Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth, often known as the water moccasin, is the next most dreaded of all the snakes. It may be found in a variety of colors, ranging from a splotchy gray to practically black, in marshy, slow-water terrain and environment.
Copperhead
East Texas and Central Texas are home to the copperhead, which is a tiny snake with strikingly colorful and patterned scales that may be found largely in yards and forested areas. Known for delivering bites to youngsters playing outdoors or people strolling on the lawn, it is ubiquitous in cities and towns around the world.
Coral Snake is a kind of snake that lives on coral reefs.
There are coral snakes, which have neurotoxic venom and are widespread across the eastern part of the state, as well as Central and South Texas. They are tiny, thin snakes that must practically gnaw on a human in order for their poison to be delivered to the bite site.
Coachwhip In spite of its reputation as a skinny snake with primarily light brown to tan coloring that would kill and consume rattlesnakes, it does not attack humans by whipping their legs as popular belief has it. It eats birds, small reptiles, and nearly anything else that it can grab and devour in one swallow.
One of the members of this family, the Central Texas whipsnake, has a black head and a black-and-white pattern on the remainder of its body, making it easy to identify.
Texas Rat Snakes are venomous
Rat snakes in Texas are venomous. This agile climber, which may be the most common snake in Texas, preys on rats and mice, as well as birds and their eggs. It has the potential to grow to be very huge, yet it is not harmful to people. Though it isn’t aggressive, it will bite and defend itself with an offensive scent.
Snake with a Hog-Nosed Throat
Snake with a snout This little snake, which is most often seen in East Texas, has an upturned snout and feeds on insects. If it feels threatened, it will go into hiding. There are broken patterns of brown and black on the rear of its body, which is brownish to gray in color.
The Diamondback Water Snake is a kind of water snake that has a diamond pattern on its back.
The diamondback water snake is a kind of water snake. It is a brownish snake with a yellowish belly that may be found in lakes and ponds across most of Texas, particularly in the state’s more humid eastern portion. It preys on fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals, among other things. It is often mistaken for a water moccasin and is killed as a result.
King Snake with Speckles
The speckled king snake is a kind of king snake. Because of its propensity of slipping into hen houses and consuming eggs and infant chicks, it is widely referred to as the chicken snake. However, the rat snake is more likely to be responsible for such invasions.