Drymobius margaritiferus

Scientific name. Drymobius margaritiferus

Common Name. Speckled Racer

General information. Drymobius margaritiferus is a diurnal forager and searches damp areas for prey that primarily consists of frogs and toads. It is a fast moving, nonvenomous snake that can be difficult to catch. If captured or cornered, however, this snake can inflict a bite.

Protected status. The Speckled Racer is listed as threatened by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is protected in the state of Texas.

Diagnostic features. Scales are faintly keeled along several middorsal rows, with 17 scale rows at midbody. Subcaudal scales and ventral plates bordered in black posteriorly Divided anal plate

Coloration. Dorsal scales are black-edged with a yellow spot in the center and a blue base creating the appearance of an overall greenish hue. Ventral surface white to yellow to green.

General distribution. In North America, Drymobius margaritiferus is found from extreme South Texas along the Gulf Coast into Mexico and Central America.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Drymobius margaritiferus present in Texas, D. m. margaritiferus, is found in the extreme southern part of the state.

Habitat. Found in dense thickets and palm groves with plenty of plant debris, Drymobius margaritiferus is almost always near a water source.

Reproduction. Eggs, as many as 8, are deposited anytime from mid-spring to late summer. Incubation lasts about 8 weeks and hatchlings are 15 cm (6 in) long and vividly colored.

Size. Drymobius margaritiferus can reach adult lengths of 75-100 cm (30-40 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.