Western Hook-nosed Snake (Gyalopion canum)

Identification: Snake small, cylindrical 7 to 14 inches in length. Dorsal color gray-brown or yellow-brown and with numerous narrow, brown bands from the neck to the tail. Snout curved upward with a broard rostral scale that is either concave or flat and widely divides the internasal scales. Scales smooth and anal plate divided.

Geographical Variation: None.

Range (see map at left): This is primarily a Mexican species that sends fingers of distribution up into western Texas, New Mexico, and into southeastern Arizona.

Habitat: The Western Hook-nosed Snake is a denizen of arid regions, particularly those dominated by crosote, mesquite, or shadscale. However it is also found in juniper-pinyon habitats. This species is typical of the Chihuahuan Desert association and is sometimes called the Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake.

Food: Spiders, centipedes, and scorpions.

Behavior: The Western Hook-nosed Snake is nocturnal species and is rarely seen except at night after rain storms. The species is a burrower. If disturbed the species wiggles and contorts its body swinging the tail back and forth. It also everts the cloaca making a small popping sound.

Reproduction:  Almost unknown.

Western Hook-nosed Snake (Gyalopion canum)

Similar Species:

Eastern Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)