A small nocturnal snake with cream and reddish bands. "Swims" through loose sand using shovel-like snout.

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 25–40 cm
Weight15–60 g
LifespanWild 5–10 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

The western shovel-nosed snake is a small species of snake of the family Colubridae.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Small slender snake; tan to pale background with alternating dark and cream bands; flattened shovel-shaped snout.

Similar species. Other small fossorial snakes (different markings). Ground snake (different head shape).

Voice. N/A.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small invertebrates, ant larvae, termites.

Behavior. Small fossorial snake of arid southwestern soils. Uses shovel-shaped snout to dig through loose substrate.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Sandy desert habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss to suburban development, off-road vehicle damage.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support desert conservation. Stay on roads in desert areas.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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