Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern Lyre Snake

Western Lyre Snake

Trimorphodon biscutatus

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus)

The Western Lyre Snake is a mildly venomous rear-fanged snake named for the lyre-shaped marking on its head. Nocturnal and an excellent climber of rock faces. Its enlarged pupils give it excellent night vision.

Habitat
Rocky canyon walls, cliff faces, and desert outcrops in the Southwest
Diet
Lizards and small rodents
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Western Lyre Snake

The best time to see a Western Lyre Snake is May–August, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,302 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Recent Western Lyre Snake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Western Lyre Snake? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Western Lyre Snake is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More reptiles & amphibians

Western Narrow-mouthed Toad
Western Narrow-mouthed Toad
Gastrophryne olivacea
Western Patch-nosed Snake
Western Patch-nosed Snake
Salvadora hexalepis
Western Pond Turtle
Western Pond Turtle
Actinemys marmorata
Western Rattlesnake
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Western Red-backed Salamander
Western Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon vehiculum
Western Ribbonsnake
Western Ribbonsnake
Thamnophis sauritus
Western Ribbonsnake
Western Ribbonsnake
Thamnophis proximus
Western Skink
Western Skink
Plestiodon skiltonianus