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Texas scarlet snake | |
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Comparison of Cemophora lineri (Texas scarlet snake) specimen from North Padre Island (7a) with C. lineri specimen from San Patricio County (7b), note that the colors of the NPI specimen are duller than those of the scarlet snake from the mainland. | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Cemophora |
Species: | C. lineri |
Binomial name | |
Cemophora lineri | |
Synonyms [1] | |
The Texas scarlet snake (Cemophora lineri) is a species of nonvenomous snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to the South Central United States. It was previously considered a subspecies of Cemophora coccinea .
The specific name or epithet, lineri, is in honor of American herpetologist Ernest A. Liner (1925–2010), who collected the first specimen in 1963. [2] [3]
C. lineri is found in southern Texas. Its range does not overlap with the other species of scarlet snake. [4]
The Texas scarlet snake is the larger of the two scarlet snake species, and is capable of growing to a total length (including tail) of 66 cm (26 inches). It has a gray or white background color, with distinct red blotches that have black borders. Unlike the other species, the black borders do not join on the sides. Its belly is a solid white or gray.[ citation needed ]
Like all scarlet snakes (genus Cemophora), the Texas scarlet snake is a secretive burrower, spending most of its time under ground. It prefers sandy thicket habitats along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.[ citation needed ]
The preferred diet of C. lineri is the eggs of other reptiles, but it will also eat small rodents and lizards.[ citation needed ]
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