The adult and juvenile specimens of the Texas Brown Snake exhibit a reddish brown hue on their bodies, accompanied by dark brown markings surrounding the ocular region. Female organisms give birth to their offspring between the months of August and early September.
Every juvenile organism develops from a delicate membranous sac, which, upon rupture, remains connected to the underside of the body but is promptly discarded.
In this discourse, we shall delve into the taxonomy of brown snakes indigenous to the state of Texas, elucidating their geographical distribution and distinguishing those species that pose potential hazards.
How Do I Describe the Texas Brown Snake?’
Both adult and juvenile individuals exhibit a reddish-brown hue on their bodies, accompanied by dark brown patches encircling the ocular region.
The occipital scars observed in S. dekayi subspecies exhibit a higher level of comprehensiveness compared to other subspecies.
Additionally, it is commonly observed that the fourth upper labial is more extensively darkened in these subspecies.
S. d. texana has a distinguishing characteristic in comparison to other subspecies, namely the absence of a black vertical bar or horizontal stripe on its anterior temporal shield.
The typical total length of adults is 30.5 cm (12.0 in), while some individuals can reach a length of 48.3 cm (19.0 in).
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Where is the Habitat of the Texas Brown Snake?
These organisms are typically located in damp forested areas, specifically beneath fallen logs and tree bark.
In urban environments, these organisms are frequently observed inhabiting gardens and flower beds, as well as occupying spaces beneath aged roofing materials or linoleum in residential yards and unoccupied parcels of land.
How Do I Describe the Behaviour of the Texas Brown Snake?
How Do I Describe Reproduction in the Texas Brown Snake?
Storeria dekayi texana is characterised by its reproductive strategy known as ovoviviparity. Female individuals give birth to live offspring between the months of August and early September.
Every juvenile organism develops from a delicate membranous sac, which, upon rupture, stays connected to the lower surface of the body but is promptly discarded.
The number of offspring in a brood exhibits variation, ranging from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 15. The overall length of the babies ranges from 9 to 11.5 cm (3.5 to 4.5 inches).
How Do I Describe the Diet of the Texas Brown Snake?
They feed primarily on:
- Slugs
- Earthworms
- Insects
- Spiders
- Cricket frogs
What are the Top 7 Texas Brown Snakes?
1. Broad-Banded Copperhead:
The initial entry on the list comprises the broad-banded copperhead, a species of poisonous snake measuring between 20 and 36 inches in length.
The organisms in question exhibit a body colouration ranging from pinkish-brown to tan, accompanied by distinct dark brown bands.
Broad-banded copperheads are characterised by their possession of venom that is comparatively less potent, resulting in a lower likelihood of fatality associated with their bites.
Previously, broad-banded copperheads were considered a subspecies of the copperhead snake; however, they have now been reclassified as a distinct species.
Nevertheless, the eastern copperhead species (Agkistrodon contortrix) can also be found in the state of Texas.
Both species inhabit forested areas and woodlands, with the broad-banded copperhead primarily found in the middle and Trans-Pecos portion of the state, and the eastern copperhead predominantly occurring in eastern Texas.
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2. Prairie Kingsnake:
Prairie kingsnakes generally have a length ranging from 30 to 40 inches, accompanied by reddish-brown patterns overlaying a light brown base colouration.
They have a preference for inhabiting regions characterised by abundant loose soil, which provides them with suitable conditions for burrowing. Woodlands and grasslands are highly recommended habitats for this species.
Prairie kingsnakes predominantly inhabit the eastern region, with limited occurrences observed in the southern portion.
Prairie kingsnakes are nonvenomous and have a dietary preference for rodents, frogs, lizards, and occasionally, conspecifics.
3. Massasaugas:
Massasaugas inhabit a diverse range of ecosystems, encompassing wetland environments such as swamps, as well as grassland habitats.
The western massasauga snake species are found in the middle portion of the state, but the desert massasauga snake species can be observed in the western Panhandle, Trans-Pecos region, and lower Rio Grande Valley.
Massasaugas often exhibit a length ranging from 24 to 30 inches, showcasing bodies that possess hues ranging from grey to tan.
These bodies are further characterised by prominent brown or black blotches that extend throughout the central region of their dorsal surface. Additionally, there are three smaller rows of spots present on each side.
Massasaugas possess cytotoxic venom, which, while typically non-lethal, has the capacity to cause tissue destruction and can result in significant scarring or limb impairment.
4. Trans-Pecos Rat Snake:
Apart from the state of Texas, the distribution of these snakes is limited to the regions of New Mexico and specific areas within the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo León.
The Trans-Pecos rat snakes exhibit a length ranging from 36 to 54 inches while displaying a yellowish-tan hue.
Additionally, these organisms exhibit a sequence of dark brown to black H-shaped patterns spanning their body.
Trans-Pecos rat snakes exhibit predominantly nocturnal behaviour, rendering them infrequently observed.
However, it is noteworthy that their encounters with humans typically do not entail overt aggression. The species in question does not possess venom and primarily feeds on little mammals.
5. Mojave Rattlesnake:
The Mojave rattlesnake, which is between 24 to 48 inches in length, is characterised by its brown body adorned with dark brown to black diamond-shaped markings along its dorsal region.
Mojave rattlesnakes predominantly inhabit arid desert environments or expansive low-lying areas. Nevertheless, these events exclusively manifest within the remote western territory of Texas.
The Mojave rattlesnake is well recognised as one of the most venomous species of rattlesnakes globally, owing to its possession of a potent venom that exhibits both neurotoxic and hemotoxic properties.
These organisms exhibit a propensity for heightened aggression and are prone to engaging in offensive behaviour when subjected to disturbances.
6. Diamond-Backed Water Snake:
The diamond-backed water snake is a prevalent species of brown snake found in the state of Texas.
These serpents inhabit aquatic environments characterised by sluggish water flow, including streams, lakes, and swamps.
The distribution of diamond-backed water snakes encompasses a vast range throughout the state, and their presence is observable both within aquatic environments and in close proximity to bodies of water.
In addition, they occasionally perch on branches that extend over the water; however, they promptly retreat into the water when approached.
Diamond-backed water snakes are non-venomous and generally display non-aggressive behaviour.
The specimens under consideration exhibit a length range of 30 to 48 inches and possess a predominantly brown colouration, accentuated by dark brown diamond-shaped patterns.
7. Bullsnake:
The bullsnake, a prevalent species in Texas, is recognised for its substantial length, often reaching up to eight feet.
Bullsnakes, classified as a subspecies of the gopher snake, exhibit a prominent physical appearance characterised by their robust bodies, adorned with a yellowish hue and adorned with dark brown markings.
The species under consideration exhibits a distribution pattern encompassing grasslands, scrublands, and fields throughout a significant portion of the state, excluding the eastern part and the western Trans-Pecos area.
Bullsnakes are non-venomous and employ a method of killing known as constriction when they tightly coil around their prey. Their diet encompasses a diverse range of avian species, reptiles, and rodents.
Nevertheless, these creatures exhibit an aggressive response when subjected to disturbance, characterised by vehement hissing, simultaneous elevation of their head and neck, and a forceful forward movement towards the perceived threat.
Read also: Can a Cat Survive a Snake Bite Without Treatment?
Tip-Off:
Texas, being the second largest state in the United States and encompassing a substantial area of 268,596 square miles, exhibits a wide array of ecosystems that accommodate numerous animal species.
Texas is home to over 100 distinct species of snakes, with 14 of these species possessing poisonous characteristics.
While snakes exhibit a wide range of colours and patterns, it is noteworthy that a significant proportion of them display a mostly brown hue.
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