Sonoran Shovel-Nosed Snake

Range

The Sonora palarostris is found in the range of western Pima County in Arizona. It is a unique resident of the Sonoran desert in North America. It is especially found in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in the Western Pima County.

Habitats

They are found in desert scrub areas near gravelly washes along mildly sloping badajas. They occupy very rocky terrains and found primarily in evenings and being nocturnal. It is a ground dweller most active in the spring and hibernates in the late months of fall and winter. It is a good burrower that spends most of its time in the soil. The Sonoran shovel-nosed snake feeds on insects, spiders, centipedes and a couple of other invertebrates and are known to mate in the spring laying a clutch of up to 5 eggs in summer.

Identification

The Sonoran Shovel-nosed snake is a small non-venomous snake that is native to the Sonoran Desert. It is cross-banded with black, yellow or whitish and red bands. It has a black snout with bands that go all the way around with a solid yellow belly. Its smooth dorsal rows are neatly arranged in 15 rows at mid-body and it usually achieves a maximum length of 15 inches.

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