Western Black-Headed Snake

Range

It occupies the Southwestern parts of California.

Habitats

They inhabit the moist areas of dry lands, although they spend most of their lives underground. They are found around woodland areas, desert areas and grassland. They feed on arthropods, especially centipedes and beetle larvaes including spiders, insects, slugs and earthworms. They are very discreet creatures and are rarely seen due to the amount of time they spend under objects. They are not venomous and lay a clutch of 1-3eggs from May to June. The young are hatched in late Summer.

Identification

It is slender and small, with flattened head and smooth shiny body. It is brownish and olive-gray with a black head rounded by a white collar. The belly is whitish with a reddish stripe that doesn't extend all round. It can attain maximum length of about 16 inches.

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