Saddled Leafnose Snake
Phyllorhynchus browni
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, r…
How to identify
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.
Range
Ranges from south-central Arizona down the west coast of mainland Mexico to Mazatlan.
Habitat
A nocturnal burrowing snake that inhabits desert scrublands on foothills and bajadas.
Variations
Dark patches can be reddish brown, chocolate brown, or black. Lighter brown patches have darker borders. Patches can have curved lateral edges, creating hourglass shapes, rather than ovals. Dorsal background color can have a pinkish hue.
Similar species
Most similar to the western leaf-nosed snake (*Phyllorhynchus decurtatus*), which has more numerous and jagged spots.
Name and etymology
Browni: Honoring Herbert Brown.
At a glance
Range
Ranges from south-central Arizona down the west coast of mainland Mexico to Mazatlan.
Habitat
A nocturnal burrowing snake that inhabits desert scrublands on foothills and bajadas.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap