A medium colubrid snake with distinctive face markings.

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 60–110 cm
Weight100–300 g
LifespanWild 7–12 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Trimorphodon lambda, the Sonoran lyre snake, is a species of rear-fanged snake in the family Colubridae. Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, the species is best known for the distinctive V-shaped or lyre-like marking on the top of its head. Previously classified as a subspecies of the western lyre snake, it is now widely recognized as a distinct species.

Source: Wikipedia — Trimorphodon lambda Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slender snake with gray-tan background; alternating dark V-shaped chevron markings.

Similar species. Other Lyrosphake species. Whipsnakes (different shape).

Voice. Hisses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Lizards (primary), small snakes, occasional small mammals.

Behavior. Mildly venomous southwestern snake; venom subdues lizard prey but is harmless to humans. Active at dusk and night.

§ Range

Southwestern US

§ Habitat

Rocky desert habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the lyre snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't kill snakes.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Arizona Game and Fish
  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • IUCN Red List 2007