Description: A medium-sized (total length: 45 - 70 cm [18 - 28 in.]) snake with a wide head, narrow neck, and cat-like (vertical) pupils. The body color is gray or tan, and there are brown, saddle-shaped markings on the dorsum. A V-shaped patch is present on the head that resembles a lyre. Other similarly marked species lack the lyre mark and have round pupils. This species is secretive. It is a good climber and can climb rocks and trees. It is venomous, and has fangs that are located in the upper jaw at the back of the mouth (a rear-fanged species). The venom is capable of immobilizing its small prey.
Diet: Feeds on lizards, small mammals, birds, bats, and other species that inhabit rocky habitats and cliffs.
Habitat: Rocky canyons and hillsides in Mojave desert scrub, pinyon-juniper, and mixed conifer habitat in lowlands, mesas, and lower mountain slopes up to 2,250 m (7,400 ft) in elevation.
Range: The species occurs across the southwestern desert from California
to Texas, and southward into northern Mexico. This subspecies occurs in
southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, western and
southern Arizona, and northern Mexico. Although infrequently observed
in Clark County, Nevada, lyre snakes are probably widespread in the
appropriate habitat.
Comments: Venomous. Venom effect on humans is not well documented.