6 Black Snakes in Arizona

Arizona is home to 57 recognized native species of snakes. Of these various species, some are black in color. Interestingly, many assume that black snakes are more dangerous than other snakes because of their appearance. Contrary to this belief, most black snakes are nonvenomous and nonaggressive, only biting as a last resort when threatened. This is why they have become popular pets among collectors and are used by farmers for pest control because they eat rodents and other pests. However, a few, such as the Arizona black rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus), are venomous. Continue reading to learn about 6 black snakes found in Arizona.

California Kingsnake

Slender, glossy black with white bands around its body, the California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) measures 36 to 48 inches long and weighs up to 4 pounds. The color patterns of this snake vary across its range. In some parts of Arizona, they may appear mostly black with faint or reduced banding, while in other areas, the bands are more prominent. California kingsnakes are found in Arizona and throughout the Southwestern United States, preferring open areas and riparian zones.

California kingsnakes prey on lizards, rodents, birds, bird eggs, and turtle eggs. They also eat other snakes, including venomous snakes like copperheads and rattlesnakes, mainly because they are immune to these snakes’ venom. In turn, they are preyed on by large vertebrates like eagles, falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey. The California kingsnake is nonaggressive, remaining docile even when caught, making this species a favorite among snake handlers.

Arizona Black Rattlesnake

The Arizona black rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper species found throughout the Southwestern United States. Easily mistaken for other large rattlesnakes in Arizona, they are distinguished by their black bodies with crossing light spotted stripes. Juveniles have lighter scales and prominent spots on their heads. These snakes measure 2 to 4 feet long and weigh approximately 5 pounds. The Arizona black rattlesnake preys on reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, birds, and bird eggs. They are found near water sources and in riparian areas, as well as woods full of detritus. Despite their lethal venom, most individuals of this species are relatively docile compared to other rattlesnake species. 

Brahminy Blind Snake

With tiny eyes covered by translucent scales that render them almost entirely blind, Brahminy blindsnakes (Indotyphlops braminus) are a recent introduction to Arizona and are native to South and Southeast Asia. Often mistaken for earthworms, they are tiny, worm-like snakes with glossy black, dark grey, or dark brown scales. They are found underground near ant and termite nests, where they prey on larvae, eggs, and pupae of these insects. Adult blindsnakes measure 2 to 6 inches long and weigh 0.02 to 0.06 ounces, making them the smallest known snake species, after the Critically Endangered Barbados threadsnake (Tetracheilostoma carlae).

In Arizona, Brahminy blindsnakes are found in moist and urban areas, likely because this species is prone to dehydration. Their nickname, flowerpot snakes, comes from the fact that they are often found in the soil of potted plants being shipped abroad. The brahminy blindsnake is considered one of the most widely distributed terrestrial reptiles. 

Coachwhip

Coachwhip snakes (Masticophis flagellum) are slender, harmless, fast-moving snakes found throughout the Southern United States. These snakes measure 4 to 8 feet long and weigh 1 to 2.5 pounds. They are often black, tan, or grey, with small heads and large eyes. Their scales are patterned, resembling the whip used by stagecoach drivers, hence their common name. They are found in various habitats, including open areas, grasslands, and cultivated lands. Coachwhips prey on reptiles, small birds, and rodents. They are also known to quickly cover long distances, at speeds up to 4 miles per hour.

Desert Kingsnake

The desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) is a nonvenomous species of kingsnake native to Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. It is black or dark brown, speckled with yellow or off-white crossbands. These snakes measure 3 to 4 feet long and weigh 1 to 4 pounds. Despite its common name, the desert kingsnake is sometimes found near water sources, but it primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid regions. It is a powerful constrictor that primarily preys on mice and other rodents. Because of its resistance to pit viper venom, it is also able to feed on small snakes within its range, such as young diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox). However, kingsnakes are docile creatures when confronted by humans and often play dead by flipping over onto their backs and lying motionless.

Ring-necked snake

Measuring 10 to 15 inches long and weighing 0.06 to 1.1 ounces, the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, harmless species of snake found throughout the United States. They are distinguished by their smoky-black to bluish-grey dorsal side and a yellow, red, or yellow-orange neckband. Certain individuals may have reduced or partially colored neckbands, while some do not have the distinctive neckbands at all. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes seldom seen during the day. When threatened, they assume a defensive stance, curl up their tails, expose their bright red-orange ventral side, and release a foul-smelling odor. They prey on salamanders, earthworms, slugs, lizards, frogs, and juvenile snakes of other species.