Saddled Leafnose Snake

Range

Ranges from south-central Arizona down the west coast of mainland Mexico to Mazatlan.

Habitats

A nocturnal burrowing snake that inhabits desert scrublands on foothills and bajadas.

Identification

A smallish snake that grows to less than 20 inches in total length. It has a small, stubby head with a unique rostral scale that folds up and over the top of its snout, resembling a leaf. Its neck is undefined and it has smooth scales and vertically elliptical pupils. Its background color is typically off-white to cream and it has dark oval patches down the center of its back and a dark mask across its face and eyes. Its ventrum is white and unmarked.

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