Heterodon nasicus

(Baird & Girard, 1852)

Vernacular names
English : Western hognose snake
French : Serpent à groin des plaines

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
One of the smallest species of its genus, reaching 50 cm and 350 g. Short triangular head with distinctive upward-turned snout. Back and flanks are light olive-green to beige with rows of brown blotches. Darker head with yellow bands.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America, from central south Canada to most of central and west-central USA, south to Texas and New Mexico. Lives in dry and sandy areas, prairies, grasslands, rocky areas, to 2400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and isn’t affected by loss of habitat on a global scale. Occasionally caught for trade but this isn’t considered a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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