Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Colubrinae Scientific name Cemophora coccinea lineri Higher classification Cemophora coccinea Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Colubridae Genus Cemophora Phylum Chordata Rank Subspecies | |
Similar Cemophora coccinea, Scaled reptiles, Ficimia streckeri, Coluber constrictor oaxaca, Gyalopion canum | ||
Cemophora coccinea lineri, commonly known as the Texas scarlet snake, is a subspecies of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the United States.
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Etymology
The specific name or epithet, lineri, is in honor of American zoologist Ernest A. Liner, who collected the first specimen in 1963.[1]
Geographic range
It is found in southern Texas. Its range does not overlap with other subspecies of scarlet snake.
Description
The Texas scarlet snake is the largest of the scarlet snake subspecies, and is capable of growing to a total length (body + tail) of 66 cm (26 inches). It has a gray or white background color, with distinct red blotches that have black borders. Unlike other subspecies, the black borders do not join on the sides. Its belly is a solid white or gray.
Behavior
Like all scarlet snakes, the Texas scarlet snake is a secretive burrower, spending most of its time under ground. It prefers sandy thicket habitats along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
Diet
Its preferred diet is the eggs of other reptiles, but it will also eat small rodents and lizards.