Crayfish Snakes | Herps of Texas

Liodytes rigida

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Liodytes rigida

Common Name. Glossy Crayfish Snake

General information. The non-venomous Liodytes rigida feeds predominantly on freshly molted crayfish, though a variety of fish, amphibians, and various insects have been documented as food items. Usually only seen above ground during times of heavy rains, R. rigida can also be found by digging into the moist soils under logs, boards, and stones found near the water’s edge. They are not known to bite, even when handled by humans. Nocturnal, the activity of this crayfish snake lasts from March to November.

Protected status. The Glossy Crayfish Snake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Despite its shiny appearance, Liodytes rigida has keeled dorsal scales (in 19 rows at midbody) Divided anal plate.

Coloration. Background color is a shiny olive-brown, with a dull yellow lateral stripe found along the first and second scale rows A thin dark line bisects the lateral stripe. The ventral surface is usually yellowish with a medially placed double row of pigmented, half-moon shaped spots.

General distribution. Liodytes rigida is found along the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida and Georgia to the east, to the wetter portions of eastern Texas and Oklahoma; they, however, are not found along the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Liodytes rigida found in Texas, L. r. sinicola (the Gulf Crayfish Snake), is a reclusive snake found only in the extreme eastern portions of the state.

Habitat. The Glossy Crayfish Snake, an uncommonly seen small snake because of its nocturnal feeding habits and subterranean lifestylefound, is exclusively found in the eastern quarter of the state.

Reproduction. Liodytes rigida is a live-bearing snake, breeding in the spring and giving birth to young during the summer. The juvenile snakes measure 16.5-23 cm (6.5-9 in) at birth.

Size. Liodytes rigida a small species of snake, with adults generally measuring 35.5-61 cm (14-24 in).

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Regina grahamii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Regina grahamii

Common Name. Graham’s Crayfish Snake

General information. Recorded food items for the non-venomous Regina grahamii are mainly crayfish, though salamanders, tadpoles and adult frogs, and snails have been found in the stomachs of this snake species. Mainly nocturnal during the summer, R. grahamii can be sometimes be found basking in the early morning hours, particularly in the spring and the fall. This species can also be found hiding in crayfish burrows along stream banks.

Protected status. The Graham’s Crayfish Snake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Keeled dorsal scales, in rows of 19 at midbody Divided anal plate

Coloration. Dorsal surface is olive, with the exception of a light colored lateral stripe found along the first three dorsal scale rows. A broken line of black pigment is found along the border of the first dorsal scale row and the ventral scales. Ventral surface is usually yellowish with a row of dark spots found medially, although individuals may be found with immaculate bellies.

General distribution. Regina grahamii is found throughout portions of the Midwest and the South, from Iowa and Illinois south to Louisiana and Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Regina grahamii is found through much of the eastern third of the state, from the eastern border with Louisiana west to the aquifers of the Balcones Fault, with the distribution additionally extending into parts of the Panhandle and North Texas.

Habitat. Not a commonly found snake, Graham’s Crayfish Snake is a semi-aquatic snake found near the edge of ponds and streams of eastern Texas, as well as in various flooded pastures and bottomlands.

Reproduction. Regina grahamii is viviparous or live-bearing, breeding at night in April and May, and giving birth to 6-25 young in August or September. Young measure 17.5-27 cm (7-10.5 in) at birth.

Size. Typically small snakes, adult Regina grahamii measure 46-71 cm (18-28 in), but occassionally reach lengths of 119 cm(47 in).