Some older texts refer to it as the Davis Mountain ratsnake.
We here note that there is some controversy regarding the correct scientific name. Some authors have been reluctant to accept Bogertophis as the genus for this species, and refer to it by its previous name Elaphe subocularis . Trans-Pecos ratsnakes have large eyes as the most obvious physical evidence of their nocturnal existence in the Chihuahuan desert. There are very few records of this species being encountered in daylight. Few other large colubrid snakes in that area are so completely nocturnal.