These snakes are very defensive exuding a foul smelling musk. They are common bird predators but also eat mice, rats, and squirrels.ĭiamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) and Blotched Watersnake ( Nerodia erythrogaster transversa): Very common in South Central Texas, these two snakes are often confused with Cottonmouths. This is one of the largest snakes in Texas, up to 6 feet but they can get larger. This snake is often found in chicken coops eating the eggs and chicks. Western Ratsnake ( Pantherophis obsoletus) (also Texas Ratsnake or Chicken Snake): The Western Ratsnake is the most common of several local species. Usually 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 commonly found in both suburban and undeveloped areas. Rough Earth Snake (Haldea striatula): This is a very common snake, often found in suburban lawns and flowerbeds. Hognose snakes are mainly predators of toads. Worst case bites are very uncommon and usually just produce localized swelling. These are technically venomous snakes with fangs in the back of their mouth and very weak venom. If this threat display fails, they are renowned for their ability to “fake death” often turning upside down with mouth agape. Texas Patchnose (Salvadora grahamiae lineata)Įastern Hognose ( Heterodon platirhinos) When first disturbed the Hognose Snake will flatten out their neck and hiss ferociously, often striking with a closed mouth.Blotched Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa).Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus).Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer).Eastern Hognose (Heterodon platirhinos) Photo by Byron Augustin.Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus).This Talking Point will highlight the most common but is by no means exhaustive. The result of Bexar County’s ecological diversity is that we have many different species of snakes. As predators, and depending on their size and environment, snakes eat rodents, worms, insects, crayfish, fish, frogs, birds, and eggs. 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 role in ecosystems. This means their variable body temperature is determined by the environment. Snakes are highly modified lizards and, like the vast majority of reptiles, are ectothermic poikilotherms. Venomous snakes inject venom into their prey while non-venomous snakes are mainly constrictors. Snakes are well known for their unique methods of feeding. All photos were taken by Sal Scibetta unless otherwise noted.Īll snakes have basically the same body plan and all are carnivores. Excerpted by Gary Poole from this linked article authored by Sal Scibetta.
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