Mojave Shovel-Nosed Snake

Range

The Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake, Sonora occipitalis can be located in the high deserts of Southern California, Souther Nevada, and Western Arizona.

Habitats

This snake is usually found close to washes in desert flats or on gently sloping bajadas. They are ground dwellers and primarily crepuscular. They are nocturnal and are in underground burrows during the daytime. They feed on insects, spiders, centipedes, reptile eggs and so on. Lastly, their mating takes place in spring. In summer, a clutch of about 9 eggs is laid.

Identification

It is a small snake of about 369 mm or 15” in length. It has more than 20 dark brown bands on a cream/light yellow background. Their snout is light yellow or cream. They also have a black mask which crosses the top of the head and covers the eyes. Along with their underside being cream, it has a countersunk jaw and valves in the nasal passages. Additionally, the snake has a concave belly and a relatively flat snout. With these qualities, the Mohave Shovel-nosed Snake is well equipped for burrowing under fine sand and loose gravel. Lastly, their pupils are round and their scales are shiny and smooth.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians