Snake Species Dinosaur species

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CHIHUAHUAN HOOK-NOSED SNAKE
Gyalopion canum

CHIHUAHUAN HOOK-NOSED SNAKE  <br />   Gyalopion canum - snake species | gveli | გველი

CHIHUAHUAN HOOK-NOSED SNAKE
Gyalopion canum

DESCRIPTION:
A small (up to 380 mm or 15" in total length), relatively stout-bodied, gray, yellow-brown, or tan colored snake with more than 25 dark gray or brown, zigzag shaped bars across the back.

A brown or gray-brown mask crosses the top of the head and covers the eyes on most specimens. The underside is pale or white, often with a pinkish or salmon tint. The pupils are round. The scales are smooth. The snout (rostral scale) is upturned on the leading edge and flat or concave on top.

DISTRIBUTION:
This snake occurs in the foothills, bajadas, and valleys of southeastern Arizona at elevations below approximately 6,000'.

HABITAT:
It is primarily associated with Chihuahuan Desertscrub and Semidesert Grassland communities but it is also encountered in Madrean Evergreen Woodland. In Arizona this snake is most frequently encountered on gentle sloping bajadas or in low foothills with rocky or gravelly soil grown with creosotebush or grasses. It is also occasionally encountered in the lower reaches of mountainous terrain along ridges and in canyons.

BEHAVIOR:
This secretive ground-dweller spends most of its time below the surface of the soil in burrows. It is primarily nocturnal and evening crepuscular when surface active. It is also occasionally encountered during the day in cloudy or mild conditions. Encounters are often associated with recent rains. It hibernates during the cold months of late fall and winter. This snake is rarely seen in Arizona because of its fossorial nature but when conditions are favorable for surface activity it is not uncommon to encounter more than one on a single outing. When threatened it exhibits several defensive behaviors including jerking the body from side-to-side, striking with mouth closed, and making a popping noise by forcefully everting the lining of the cloaca. It presumably uses its "hooked" snout to root through surface debris and under rocks for prey.

DIET:
The Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake feeds on small spiders, insects, centipedes, and scorpions. Captive specimens have also eaten snakes, lizards, and small mice.

REPRODUCTION:
A clutch of up to 4 eggs is laid in late spring or early summer.

Coluber lateralis lateralis - California Striped Racer | Snake Species Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis - Mohave Patch-nosed Snake | Snake Species Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster  - Osage Copperhead | Snake Species
Lampropeltis getula splendida - Desert Kingsnake | Snake Species  COMMON KINGSNAKE  Lampropeltis getula | Snake Species Pantherophis alleghaniensis - Eastern Ratsnake | Snake Species
Crotalus enyo - Baja California Rattlesnake | Snake Species Crotalus oreganus helleri - Southern Pacific Rattlesnake | Snake Species Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi - Mexican Hog-nosed Snake | Snake Species
SONORAN SHOVEL-NOSED SNAKE  <br />   Chionactis palarostris | Snake Species GLOSSY SNAKE  Arizona elegans | Snake Species  COACHWHIP  Coluber flagellum | Snake Species
Sonora semiannulata semiannulata - Variable Groundsnake | Snake Species Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi - San Diego Nightsnake | Snake Species Coluber constrictor flaviventris - Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer | Snake Species
Storeria dekayi texana - Texas Brownsnake | Snake Species Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha nuchalata - California Nightsnake | Snake Species Lichanura trivirgata  - Rosy Boa | Snake Species
Pituophis catenifer catenifer - Pacific Gopher Snake | Snake Species GREEN RATSNAKE  Senticolis triaspis | Snake Species  EASTERN PATCH-NOSED SNAKE <br /> Salvadora grahamiae | Snake Species

Copyright © 2012