Species profile
California Lyresnake
Trimorphodon lyrophanes
Identify California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 526 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Named for the distinct lyre-shaped marking on the top of its head.
- A rear-fanged snake with mild venom effective on lizards but harmless to humans.
- Strictly nocturnal, hunting lizards and small rodents in rocky desert terrain.
- Adults typically measure 24–47 inches in total length.
- Has vertical, cat-like pupils — unusual among North American colubrids.
Where California Lyresnake are seen
Background
Trimorphodon lyrophanes, the Baja California lyre snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's California Lyresnake article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is California Lyresnake?
California Lyresnake (Trimorphodon lyrophanes) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for California Lyresnake?
California Lyresnake is Trimorphodon lyrophanes.
Are there fishing rules for California Lyresnake?
California Lyresnake does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify California Lyresnake?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes California Lyresnake along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.