More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Snakes of Zihuatanejo
SUBORDER SERPENTES
Western Lyre Snake
-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)
-Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)
-Colubrid Snakes (Family Colubridae)
-Colubrine Snakes (Subfamily Colubrinae)
-Lyre Snakes (Genus Trimorphodon)
-Western Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus)
Named for the V-shaped lyre on its head, this medium-sized snake reaches a length of nearly 4 feet (1.2 m). The broad head with narrow neck gives the lyre snake a triangular-shaped head. Dark brown saddles reside on a light brown to light gray back. The underside is creamy-white or yellow with scattered brown spots. This mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake feeds primarily on lizards, but also eats birds and bats. Primarily nocturnal, it is seldom active during the day.
Trimorphodon biscutatus
Description
• Trimorphodon biscutatus, commonly known as the lyre snake, is a nocturnal, mildly venomous snake in the family Colubridae. It is named for the distinctive lyre-shaped marking on the top of its head. Its body is usually grey, tan or brown, with dark crossbands or blotches that provide camouflage among rocks and dry vegetation. It has vertically elliptical pupils and enlarged rear teeth associated with venom delivery. Although its venom is generally not considered medically significant to humans, it should not be handled.
Range
• Trimorphodon biscutatus occurs in Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States, with related populations extending into Central America. It is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, where its range includes the Pacific coastal region.
Habitat
• This species inhabits arid and semi-arid environments, including rocky hillsides, dry forest, scrubland and canyons. It often shelters in rock crevices, beneath stones or in other protected spaces during the day, emerging at night to hunt. It is primarily terrestrial but can climb rocks and low vegetation.
Diet
• Trimorphodon biscutatus feeds mainly on lizards and small mammals, and may also take small birds or other suitable vertebrates. It hunts at night, using its camouflage and ability to explore rocky crevices to locate prey.