Coast Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora hexalepis virgultea

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

An exception to the pale comment already made, this subspecies of the patch-nosed group is primarily dark, almost black, on the upper sides and on the top of the head. It is adult at 3’ in length. There is a prominent sand-yellow dorsal stripe and 2 scale rows on the lower sides are also sand-yellow. The belly is a pale yellow-orange. Scales smooth and in 17 rows. Oviparous. Hatchlings are similar to adults. Oviparous. Hatchlings are similar to adults. They are fast, alert, and agile lizard hunters that often periscope in an effort to see their prey.

 

Unique Features:

This subspecies of the patch-nosed group is primarily dark, almost black, on the upper sides and on the top of the head. It is the only subspecies so colored.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Coastal scrub and brushlands. It inhabits openings in the coastal scrub, the scrub areas themselves, and grasslands. Prey is primarily lizards.

 

Geographic Range:

CA,