California Lyresnake

About the California Lyresnake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: California Lyresnake

Is the California Lyresnake venomous?

The California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) is rear-fanged and only mildly venomous. It is not considered dangerous to humans (its venom is weak and its fangs sit at the back of the mouth) but a bite can cause local swelling or irritation, so it should not be handled.

Is the California Lyresnake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The California Lyresnake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the California Lyresnake dangerous?

The California Lyresnake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the California Lyresnake live?

The California Lyresnake has verified records in 2 countries, including United States of America, Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.

How do I identify the California Lyresnake?

Slender with a lyre-shaped mark on the head and vertical pupils.

How big does the California Lyresnake get?

Slender, 2–3.5 ft.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

• 
  Sonoran Lyre Snake
  Trimorphodon lambda
• 
  Mexican Lyre Snake
  Trimorphodon tau
• 
  Central American Lyresnake
  Trimorphodon quadruplex
• 
  Sinaloan Lyresnake
  Trimorphodon paucimaculatus
• 
  Western Lyre Snake
  Trimorphodon biscutatus
• 
  Texas Lyre Snake
  Trimorphodon vilkinsonii
• 
  Common Garter Snake
  Thamnophis sirtalis
• 
  Common Watersnake
  Nerodia sipedon

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards

Squamata

FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits

Colubridae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Trimorphodon

SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name

Trimorphodon lyrophanes

Keep learning

• What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
• Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
• What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
• How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.