Banded
Sand Snake (Chilomeniscus cinctus)
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Banded
Sand Snake (Chilomeniscus cinctus) |
Color Photograph: © Corel Corp.
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Chionactis occipitalis The Western Shovel-nosed Snake is similar in markings and coloration, but is usually a larger snake measuring 10 to 17 inches in length compared to the 7 to 10 inches on the Banded Sand Snake. In addition the Western Shovel-nosed Snake typically has 15 scale rows at the midpoint of the body and the internasal scales are not separated by the rostral scale.
Chionactis palarostris The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake is similar in markings and coloration, but is usually a larger snake measuring 10 to 17 inches in length compared to the 7 to 10 inches on the Banded Sand Snake. In addition the Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake typically has 15 scale rows at the midpoint of the body and the internasal scales are not separated by the rostral scale. Banded Sand Snake (Chilomeniscus cinctus) Identification: A snake from 7 to 10 inches in length. Basic color white, pale yellow, or red, sometimes with orange saddle shaped blotches on the back. Head no wider than the neck and the snout wedge-shaped. The rostral scale separates the internasals. Scales smooth in 13 rows near the middle of the body. Geographical Variation: None, but individually variable in markings and color. Range (see map below): This snake is known from southwestern and south-central Arizona in the United States. It also occurs in Sonora and Southern Baja California in Mexico. Habitat: The Banded Sand Snake lives in arid regions, usually in sand or loose, loamy soil. It occurs in open desert and arroyos with loose ground. Food: Centipedes, cockroaches, insects in general, and ant larvae and pupae. Behavior: The Banded Sand Snake is highly adapted to a life burrowing in sand and can literally swim in it. It's a nocturnal species. The presence of the species can sometimes be detected by the presence of s-shaped furrows in the sand. Reproduction: The reproductive biology of this species is poorly known.
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Banded Sand Snake (Chilomeniscus cinctus)
Simialr Species: Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) |
Similar Species |
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