Arizona Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans noctivaga

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Adult at 3 to 5 feet long, this is one of the “short-tailed” subspecies of glossy snakes. It has smooth (non-keeled) scales and is a constrictor. Ground color of tan to light brown, and usually 52 or more, broad, black edged, darker brown, dorsal saddles as well as an uneven row of lateral spots. Sides may darken as age increases causing lateral spots to become largely obscured. Light belly. Use range as well as appearance to identify subspecies. Oviparous. Hatchlings are very similar in appearance to the adult. Oviparous. The hatchlings look much like the adults

 

Unique Features:

52 or more, broad, black edged, darker brown, dorsal saddles and range should identify this subspecies

 

Habitat and Diet:

Sandy desert and brushland. Despite their large size this snake preys predominantly on lizards but will also eat an occasional small mammal or bird.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ,