Eastern Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora grahamiae

Reptiles & AmphibiansIn the app

Dorsum is cream or tan and exhibits two black or brown stripes running down back. Venter usually cream but can show faint pink under tail. Eyes are especially large with…

Eastern Patch-nosed Snake illustration

How to identify

Dorsum is cream or tan and exhibits two black or brown stripes running down back. Venter usually cream but can show faint pink under tail. Eyes are especially large with round pupils. Average length under 900 mm or 36 inches. Body scales are smooth and snout scale is enlarged and triangular in shape. Females and males usually mate in the spring; females lay eggs in August. Clutch size ranges from 5 to 10 eggs.

Range

Southern United States and Northern Mexico starting in southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and central Texas southward through Mexico to Hidalgo.

Habitat

Found in pine forests, canyons, slopes, open woodland, prairies, savannas, and shrublands. Diet includes reptile eggs, small mammals, small snakes, and lizards.

Variations

Subspecies, Mountain Patchnose Snake, or *salvadora grahamiae grahamiae*, is usually found in mountainous or hilly areas including coniferous and evergreen woodland.

Similar species

Name and etymology

Grahamiae: Honoring James D. Graham

At a glance

Range

Southern United States and Northern Mexico starting in southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and central Texas southward through…

Habitat

Found in pine forests, canyons, slopes, open woodland, prairies, savannas, and shrublands. Diet includes reptile eggs, small…

Guide

Reptiles and Amphibians of North America

Range map

Range map for Eastern Patch-nosed Snake

Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Sources & further reading