A small non-venomous snake of southwestern deserts.

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 60–105 cm
Weight150–400 g
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Arizona elegans is a species of medium-sized colubrid snake commonly referred to as the glossy snake or the faded snake, which is native to southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has several subspecies. Some have recommended that A. elegans occidentalis be granted full species status.

Source: Wikipedia — Glossy snake Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-sized slender snake; tan background with dark dorsal blotches; smooth glossy scales.

Similar species. Other Arizona species (different ranges; subtle markings).

Voice. Hisses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small mammals, lizards, occasionally other snakes.

Behavior. Non-venomous southwestern snake. Highly variable; tan to gray-brown background.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Sandy desert habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the glossy snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't kill snakes. Support desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Arizona Game and Fish
  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • IUCN Red List 2007