A small snake with distinctive snout pattern.

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 30–60 cm
Weight50–200 g
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Salvadora hexalepis, the western patch-nosed snake, is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake, which is endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Source: Wikipedia — Salvadora hexalepis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slender snake with brown to gray background; subtle dark dorsal markings; flattened "patch" on snout.

Similar species. Other patch-nosed snakes. Hognose snakes (much heavier).

Voice. Hisses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Lizards, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Small snake with shovel-shaped snout used to dig prey out of soil. Active hunter in arid habitats.

§ Range

Southwestern US

§ Habitat

Diverse open habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the western patch-nosed snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southwestern 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