Texas Rat Snake (04 May 2007) Southwest Austin, Texas

(Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri) Extremely Beneficial. Non-poisonous; very aggressive; may bite if cornered, not allowed to escape, and handled; the productive bite of a mature adult may produce painful wounds that bleed freely from the numerous puncture marks caused by its small, sharp teeth; the bite is otherwise inconsequential; this species of snake preys on mice and rats and is, therefore, a very good snake to have around.

Photos courtesy of Robyn C.; text by Jerry Cates

The muscular body of the Texas rat snake allows it to climb trees with ease.  The upper body is held up by the lower body muscles as it climbs.  Note that the head is rounded, from side to side, and uniformly dark gray on the nose and lateral face. Note also the paler color of the upper lips, which are unmarked.  The juvenile Texas rat snake has markings on the dorsal head, but mature specimens, like this one, are unmarked. on the upper head

The mid body markings consist of saddles over the spine, separated by lighter spaces with an orange tint (sometimes bluish gray), and often, though not in this specimen, with white markings between some of the scales.  On the sides, alternating between the upper saddles, are dark blotches ringed in the lighter coloration, usually tinged in orange but sometimes in bluish gray.

Many thanks to Robyn C. for these excellent photos.

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