Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake
Chionactis palarostris
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Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake Chionactis palarostris |
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Chionactis occipitalis The Western Shovel-nosed Snake has narrower bands and the number of dark bands is usually more than 21 over the length of the body. Red bands may be present in the Western Shovel-nosed Snake, but they are never wide and saddle-shaped. The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake has a much more restricted distribution.
Chilomeniscus cinctus The Banded Sand Snake is a smaller species (length 7 to 10 inches). The rostral scale separates the internasals in the Banded Sand Snake, but not in the Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Identification: Snake 10 to 17 inches in length. A banded snake with black, red, and yellow-white bands. Bands relatively wide. Black bands usually fewer than 21 in number over the length of the body. Red bands wide, saddle-shaped. Head wedge-shaped, slightly convex on the top. Rear margin of head with a black blotch. Rostral scale not dividing the internasals. Geographical Variation: None. Range (See map on the left): The Sonoran Shovel-nosed snake has a small, restricted range. The species occurs in south-central Arizona in the United States and in a narrow band in the state of Sonora. Habitat: This species is a desert dweller of the Sonoran Desert. In the United States it is most commonly found in the Saguaro - Palo Verde plant association and is best known from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This species occurs on both rock and sandy substrates, but is most common on hard ground surfaces. Food: Insects and other desert invertebrates. Behavior: The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake, as are so many other desert snakes, is primarily nocturnal, spending the day below ground. Reproduction: Unknown, but probably similar to that of the Western Shovel-nosed Snake.
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Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake
Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis) Banded Sand Snake (Chilomeniscus cinctus) |
Similar Species |
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