Western ground snake
A species of North american ground snakes, Also known as Variable ground snake, Ground snake Scientific name : Sonora semiannulata Genus : North american ground snakes
Western ground snake, A species of North american ground snakes
Also known as:
Variable ground snake, Ground snake
Scientific name: Sonora semiannulata
Genus: North american ground snakes
Content
Description General Info
Description
The western ground snake (Sonora semiannulata) is a species of small, harmless colubrid snake. The species is endemic to North America. It is sometimes referred to as the common ground snake or variable ground snake as its patterning and coloration can vary widely, even within the same geographic region.
General Info
Lifespan
5-7 years
Diet
Western ground snake feasts primarily on arachnids, such as scorpions and spiders. It further supplements its diet with insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small mammals, showcasing a broad carnivorous diet.
Appearance
Western ground snake is a small snake species, measuring between 15 to 56 cm long with a slim, cylindrical shape. Its skin is glossy with a smooth texture. Western ground snake exhibits vibrant markings that alternates broad brown or black bands with narrower white or yellow bands. Other distinctive features include a large black band across its neck and a lightly colored undeerside. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Western ground snake demonstrates an active nocturnal lifestyle, typically foraging for arachnids, insects, and small rodents in the evening hours. This terrestrial predator exhibits solitary behavior, only interacting during the mating season. Biochemical signals produced by the cloaca are employed for territorial marking. To navigate its arid habitat, western ground snake has adapted a unique burrowing behavior, retreating underground for protection against harsh climatic conditions.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Species
Western ground snake 
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