Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Adult length up to 56 inches, however most individuals are under 31 inches long. Moderately slender body with narrow, pointed head. Coloration occurs in pale shades of cr…
How to identify
Adult length up to 56 inches, however most individuals are under 31 inches long. Moderately slender body with narrow, pointed head. Coloration occurs in pale shades of cream, tan, or yellow on dorsal side marked with darker colored bars along body & tail. Sides have smaller, less-defined dark blotches. Ventral side is uniform white or cream colored.
Range
Southwestern United States. Range extends east to western Texas, west to California, north to Nebraska, and south into central Mexico.
Habitat
Terrestrial. Semi-arid grasslands, deserts, and sagebrush.
Variations
Coloration varies based on subspecies & soil in habitat.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Elegans: Latin for elegant.
At a glance
Size
75 to 178 cm
Range
Southwestern United States. Range extends east to western Texas, west to California, north to Nebraska, and south into centra…
Habitat
Terrestrial. Semi-arid grasslands, deserts, and sagebrush.
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap