Great Plains Ground Snake
Sonora episcopa
Sonora episcopa is a slender snake, typically reaching lengths of 8 to 14 inches (20-35 cm) with a thin tail. Coloration is highly variable, even within the same region.…
How to identify
Sonora episcopa is a slender snake, typically reaching lengths of 8 to 14 inches (20-35 cm) with a thin tail. Coloration is highly variable, even within the same region. They may appear uniformly tan with a faint reddish stripe down the back, bright orange with a single dark neckband, or even a striking red body with dark crossbands running its entire length. Regardless of the pattern, the underside is always a uniform cream color.
Habitat
The S. episcopa prefers open habitats with loose soil, often found in prairies, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and along riverbeds. They are excellent burrowers, spending much of their time hidden underground where they hunt for their prey – primarily insects, worms, and other invertebrates.
Similar species
Due to its wide range of color variations, Sonora episcopa can be easily confused with its close relative, Sonora semiannulata. Geographic range is the best way to distiguish these two species. Sonora episcopa typically has oval-shaped blotches or "saddles," while Sonora semiannulata has squarish crossbands.
Name and etymology
Episcopa: Lating for relating to a bishop
More illustrations
Striped morph
Uniform morph
Banded morph
At a glance
Habitat
The S. episcopa prefers open habitats with loose soil, often found in prairies, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and along riverbed…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap