Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora hexalepis deserticola

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This desert speedster attains a length of about 3’. It, like the other members of this genus, has an enlarged wraparound rostral (nosetip) scale. Dorsal and lateral color gray to grayish-brown. Broad middorsal stripe is buff to tannish-orange and bordered by a dark stripe on both sides that is itself narrowly divided centrally by a very thin white stripe. A thin dark stripe runs along scale row 4 (counting up from the ventral scutes). Belly is pale pink. This pretty snake inhabits desert regions and dry, rocky, riverine flood plains. Scales smooth and in 17 rows. Oviparous. Hatchlings are similar to adults.

 

Unique Features:

Broad middorsal stripe is buff to tannish-orange and bordered by a dark stripe on both sides that is itself narrowly divided centrally by a very thin white stripe.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Mesquite and creosote desert land. Prey is primarily lizards.

 

Geographic Range:

TX, AZ, NM