Salvadora hexalepis


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.

Geographic range

It is found in the southwestern United States in the states of Arizona, southern California, Nevada, southern New Mexico, and southwestern Texas. It is also found in northern Mexico in the Mexican states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora.

Subspecies

The following four subspecies are recognized:
  • Salvadora hexalepis hexalepis
  • Salvadora hexalepis klauberi Bogert, 1945
  • Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis Bogert, 1945
  • Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Bogert, 1935 - Coast patch-nosed snake, San Luis Obispo County to Baja California

    Description

Adults of Salvadora hexalepis are, on average, 20-46 inches in total length; the record total length is.
They have a distinctive, thick scale curved back over the top of the snout, and free at the edges.
All subspecies are yellowish with blackish lateral stripes in various arrangements.
The dorsal scales are smooth, and the anal plate is divided.

Behavior

The western patch-nosed snake inhabits arid deserts in its area. It feeds upon lizards, snakes, reptile eggs, and small rodents.

Reproduction

4-10 eggs are laid during spring or early summer and hatch in August through September.