Black-striped Snake

(Coniophanes imperialis)

Description:
12-20" (30.5-50.8 cm). A light brown snake with 3 dark brown to purplish-black stripes; a thin one down center of back and a broad stripe on either side. Thin light line extends from snout to top of eye to rear of head. Upper lip scales white with tiny black dots.Belly pink, red, or orange. Scales smooth, in 19 rows. Anal plate divided.
Breeding:
2-10 eggs are laid late April to June. Young develop quickly; eggs may hatch in 40 days.
Habitat:
Semiarid coastal plain; sea level to 500' (150 m).
Range:
Extreme s. Texas south to Central America.
Subspecies:
Three; 1 enters U.S., C. i. imperialis.

Crepuscular and nocturnal. A secretive snake, it burrows into the soil or takes refuge under vegetative debris during the day. Grooved rear fangs and a mild venom immobilize prey--small toads, frogs, lizards, snakes, and baby mice. Although generally harmless, a bite may produce itching, burning numbness, and localized swelling in humans.

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