Southwestern Blackhead Snake

(Tantilla hobartsmithi)

The above snake was found 20 miles North of Sierra Blanca, Texas on FM 1111 one day after rain.

 Size: Up to 19"

Range in Texas: Found throughout West and Southwest Texas.

Comments: The Southwest Blackhead snake is a very small snake found throughout the Trans-Pecos. I have only found 4 in Hudspeth County. They are very rarely encountered due to the fact that they remain below ground most of the time. The snake pictured above is the largest of these that I've seen at around 10 inches. They apparently eat the larvae of moths, butterflies and beetles. The ones that I have found have always been within 2 days of rain.