West Texas Pituophis

Photo courtesy of Nathan Wells

In west Texas from Hudspeth Co. to Terrell Co. lies a large zone of intergradation between the Sonoran Gopher Snake and Bullsnakes. Some ofthe snakes in this region key out as Sonoran Gophers while others as Bullsnakes and many have intermediate characteristics of both. This topic has been discussed and debated for a long time. Range maps depicting the zone of intergradation have changed and been discussed by several people that have studied this issue. Apparently the intermixing of Sonoran Gophers and Bullsnakes corresponds to the expansion and contraction of the Chihuahuan Desert over time which makes for a complex situation between these two subspecies that is difficult to diagnose. However, whatever you call the Pituophis from this region, and as with many zones of intergradation, this region produces some fascinating animals that are unique. In the species accounts below, I have some west Texas Pituophis that are good representatives of what I have just mentioned, interestingly beautiful anaimls that are a product of the equally interesting and beautiful habitat from which they occur.