Threadsnakes | Herps of Texas

Rena dissecta

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

Scientific name. Rena dissecta

Common Name. New Mexico Threadsnake

General information. Nocturnal, the New Mexico Threadsnake is infrequently found above ground. This species burrows underground in search of its prey. Threadsnakes feed on a variety of invertebrates, ranging from termites and ants (both adults and larvae) to spiders and millipedes.

Protected status. The New Mexico Threadsnake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Vestigial eyes present as two dark spots on either side of head Stubby, short tail. Three scales on top of head between ocular scales. Two upper labial scales between eye scale and lower nasal scale. 14 rows of smooth scales around body; all scales (belly and dorsal) similar size.

Coloration. Gray to pink below and light brown, reddish-brown, or dull pink above.

General distribution. In the United States, Rena dissecta is found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Rena dissecta is present in two disjunct populations: the northern Panhandle and far west Texas.

Habitat. The New Mexico Threadsnake is found in dry desert or grassland areas with loose soil.

Reproduction. Females lay eggs (2-7) in June and July. Hatchlings are born about two months later and measure 6-7.5 cm (2.5-3 in) in length.

Size. Adult Rena dissecta average 12.5-20 cm (5-8 in); record size is 25.5 cm (10 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.

Rena dulcis

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

Scientific name. Rena dulcis

Common Name. Texas Threadsnake

General information. Nocturnal, the Texas Threadsnake is infrequently found above ground. Soaking rains often force snakes above ground to escape flooded burrows. This species burrows underground in search of its prey. Threadsnakes feed on a variety of invertebrates, ranging from termites and ants (both adults and larvae) to spiders and millipedes.

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

Diagnostic features. Vestigial eyes present as two dark spots on either side of head Stubby, short tail. Three scales on top of head between ocular scales. Single upper labial scale between eye scale and lower nasal scale. 14 rows of smooth scales around body; all scales (belly and dorsal) similar size.

Coloration. Gray to pink below and light brown, reddish-brown, or dull pink above.

General distribution. In the United States, Rena dulcis is found from Oklahoma to northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the single subspecies of Rena dulcis found in the state, R. d. dulcis, is present in the middle third of the state from the Red River to the Mexico border.

Habitat. The Texas Threadsnake is found in arid regions in places where moisture tends to collect and soil is loose or sandy.

Reproduction. Females lay eggs (2-7) in June and July. Hatchlings are born about two months later and measure 6-7.5 cm (2.5-3 in) in length.

Size. Adult Rena dulcis average 12.5-20 cm (5-8 in); record size is 27 cm (10.5 in).

Rena humilis

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

Scientific name. Rena humilis

Common Name. Western Threadsnake

General information. Nocturnal, the Western Threadsnake is infrequently found above ground. This species prefers burrow underground in search of its prey. Threadsnakes feed on a variety of invertebrates, ranging from termites and ants (both adults and larvae) to spiders and millipedes.

Protected status. The Western Threadsnake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Vestigial eyes present as two dark spots on either side of head Spine at tail tip. Only single scale on top of head between ocular scales. 14 rows of smooth scales around body; all scales (belly and dorsal) similar size.

Coloration. Dull to shiny pink below 5th to 7th dorsal scale row; brown to purplish above 5th/7th scale row links to photos

General distribution. In the United States, Rena humilis is found in the deserts from California and Utah to Texas in the United States, and is widespread across Baja California and the western half of mainland Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the only subspecies of Rena humilis found in the state, L. h. segregus, is present in west Texas along the Rio Grande from El Paso County to Val Verde and Kinney Counties.

Habitat. The Western Threadsnake is found in deserts and desert-grasslands, often seeking refuge under rocks and logs where moisture is retained.

Reproduction. Females lay clutches of eggs (2-6) in the late summer. Incubation is 45-60 days and hatchlings measure 7.5-9 cm (3-3.5 in) in length.

Size. Adult Rena humilis average 18-25.5 cm (7-10 in); record size is 36 cm (13 in).