These occipital blotches are wider than in other subspecies of S. dekayi, and the fourth upper labial is usually darkened to a greater extent.

S. d. texana also differs from the other subspecies by not having the anterior temporal shield marked with a black vertical bar or horizontal stripe.

In urban areas they are often found in gardens and flower beds, and also under old pieces of roofing or linoleum in backyards and vacant lots.

[4] They feed primarily on slugs and earthworms, but also eat insects, spiders, and cricket frogs (genus Acris).

Each young emerges in a fine tissue sac, which after bursting remains attached to the ventrum, but is quickly shed.