Not seeing a Scroll to Top Button? Go to our FAQ page for more info.
Home > Snakes > Southwestern Blackhead Snake

Southwestern Blackhead Snake

The Southwestern Blackhead Snake is a species of North American snakes that belong to the colubrid family. Their venom is harmless to mammals, including humans, but specifically toxic to arthropods, which is their primary food.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Colubridae
    Genus Tantilla
    Species T. hobartsmithi
    Scientific Name Tantilla hobartsmithi


    Other Names Southwestern blackhead snake, Smith’s black-headed snake
    Length 15 in (38 cm)
    Body Coloration Dorsal side is evenly brown, while the head is black; a cream or white collar is also present. Ventral side has broad reddish stripes
    Range/Distribution Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
    Habitat Prefers living in loose soil, leaf litter, or underground debris
    Diet/Food Primarily arthropods like centipedes, tender-bodied insects etc.
    Venom Facts Venomous (not fatal to humans)
    Clutch Size 1-3 eggs
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous

    Southwestern Blackhead Snake Pictures Gallery

    Published on November 12th 2018 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 14th June 2019.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *