Western Hognose Snake

Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus

Order: Squamata (amphisbaenians, lizards and snakes)

Family: Colubridae

Conservation Status

About

The western hognose snake comes in an array of colors phases, patterns and varieties. It is known for its trademark pointy nose that is used to borrowing and hiding in sand and loose gravel. They are known for their many defense mechanisms. Most unique is their ability to play dead if they sense danger or a threat. The hognose snake will turn on its back, open its mouth and stick out its tongue. They can even bleed from the mouth and release a foul smell to assist in the act.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Habitat HQ

Arrived at EPZ: Nigel - 2022

Habitat & Range
Western hognose snakes prefer to live in sandy prairies, scrublands and floodplains. They can be found at elevations of up to 8,000 feet in the Central United States, northern Mexico and southern Canada.
Identification
Western hognose snakes are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 35 inches and weighing less than half a pound. They have an upturned snout. Their dorsal surface is light olive green with about darker green spots. Their ventral surface, however, is almost jet black.
Diet
Western hognose snakes feed on small lizards, reptile eggs, birds and small rodents. However, their chief source of food is toads that they find burrowed in the sand.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Mating season takes place between March and May. Thirty to 60 days after mating, the female lays between 4 and 23 eggs in a sandy nest. Eggs hatch in approximately 9 weeks, and the new offspring will be sexually mature within 2 years. Western hognose snakes live an average of 18 to 30 years.
Fantastic Fact
The hognose produces toxic saliva in their Duvernoy’s glad. The toxic saliva is not extremely harmful to humans, as a bite will only cause slight swelling and pain.

Western Hognose Snake

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact