Western hognose snake
A species of Hog-nosed snakes, Also known as Bluffer, Plains hognose snake, Spoonbill snake, Texas hognose snake Scientific name : Heterodon nasicus Genus : Hog-nosed snakes
Western hognose snake, A species of Hog-nosed snakes
Also known as:
Bluffer, Plains hognose snake, Spoonbill snake, Texas hognose snake
Scientific name: Heterodon nasicus
Genus: Hog-nosed snakes
Content
Description General Info
Description
The western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a species of non-venomous colubrid endemic to North America.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Appearance
Western hognose snake is a small snake with an upturned snout and thick body. It has smooth scales that are predominantly light tan, brown, or gray, often adorned with darker blotches. The underside is often light pink or yellow. Their most recognizable feature is the elongated, pig-like snout, used for burrowing into sandy soils. There are no notable differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Western hognose snake demonstrates defensive behavior by inflating its body and raising its head, mimicking a venomous species, which is a form of Batesian mimicry. This species is solitary and predominantly active at dusk and twilight (crepuscular). It burrows into sandy soil and primarily hunts amphibians using its specialized upturned snout.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Dipsadinae Genus
Hog-nosed snakes Species
Western hognose snake