![]() Typically, but not always, when these snakes swim, only the head will be out of the water (a Cottonmouth will usually float on top of the water). The easiest way to tell it’s a watersnake is they have vertical stripes on labial (lip) scales. When threated these snakes will flatten their head to give them an arrow shaped appearance, further creating the impression they are Cottonmouths. They are typically seen basking on bank, in branches above water and swimming. They are very often confused with Cottonmouths. This behavior often leads people to believe it’s a rattlesnake.ĭiamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) and Blotched Watersnake ( Nerodia erythrogaster transversa): These two watersnakes are extremely common in the lakes and rivers in South Central Texas. When cornered it will also put on an impressive defensive display with open mouth hissing and vibrating its tail. This snake is non-venomous, but will likely bite repeatedly when handled. Adults are typically 4 – 6 feet but they can get larger. It is one of the largest snakes in Texas. (It was formerly called the Texas Ratsnake but recent genetic studies negated that subspecies designation) The Western Ratsnake is also called the Chicken snake because it is often found in chicken coops where they eat the eggs and small birds. We have a few different species of ratsnakes in the area but the Western Ratsnake is the most frequently encountered. Western (Texas) Ratsnake ( Pantherophis obsoletus): If you have ever seen a snake somewhere and think “How did it get there?” it’s probably a ratsnake. They also commonly defecate and/or musk when handled. ![]() They are harmless but can bite if handled. Commonly found near water, they prey on frogs, rodents, and invertebrates. These snakes are completely harmless, reach a maximum length of only 10 inches, and eat worms, grubs and other small insects.Ĭheckered Garter Snake ( Thamnophis marcianus): The Checkered Garter Snake is another common snake and can be found in suburban areas as well as more undeveloped areas. Rough Earth Snake (Haldea striatula): This is a very common snake, often found in suburban lawns and flowerbeds. Blotched Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa).Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus).Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer).Eastern Hognose (Heterodon platirhinos) Photo by Byron Augustin.Texas Patchnose (Salvadora grahamiae lineata).Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus).This Talking Point will highlight the most common but is by no means exhaustive of the topic. The result of Bexar County’s ecological diversity is that we have many different species of snakes, more than most other parts of Texas. As predators, and depending on their size and environment, snakes eat rodents, worms, insects, crayfish, fish, frogs, bird eggs and nestlings. They are predated on by birds of prey, coyotes, raccoons, opossums as well as feral cats and hogs. They are typically in the middle of the food web, being both predator and prey. Snakes play a very important roles in the ecosystem. This is why snakes are frequently observed basking on trails during the day or on warm roads at night. This means their variable body temperature is determined by the environment. Snakes are highly modified lizards and, like the vast majority of all reptiles, are ectothermic poikilotherms. Some snakes even swallow prey alive (watersnakes). Some use their body coiled around the prey, while other use their jaw strength to subdue prey. The non-venomous snakes are mainly constrictors, how they constrict their prey varies. There are three main kinds of venomous snakes, Solenoglyphous or movable fangs (Vipers), Proteroglyphous or fixed fangs(coral snakes) and Opisthoglyphous or rear fanged(hognose snakes). They have two diverse methods of capturing prey, they are either venomous or non-venomous. Snakes are well known for their unique methods of feeding. All snakes have basically the same body plan and are all carnivores. Snakes are one of the most identifiable groups of animals. The variety of snake species in our area gives an excellent demonstration of this crossroads of habitats. As a result, we have a diversity of flora and fauna associated with each of these ecoregions. It is an ecoregions crossroads where parts of three different ecoregions meet: Blackland Prairie, Edwards Plateau, and South Texas Brush Country. Written by Sal Scibetta all photos were taken by Sal Scibetta unless otherwise captioned.īexar County, Texas is a very special place ecologically.
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