Dusty Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus dusty

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

The modified rostral scale is an adaptation for digging for toads, the preferred food. An adaptation for digging for toads, it’s preferred food. When adult, females are usually considerably larger than the males. Back and sides are brownish in color and patterned with darker dorsal blotches and spots. The belly is black, with or without yellowish blotches. If frightened this species will flatten its neck into a “hood” and strike at the antagonist, usually with closed mouth. They seldom bite but are perfectly capable of doing so. If sufficiently frightened they will begin writhing, open the mouth, turn belly up and feign death. If righted they will again roll over. These snakes favor brushy desert habitats. Oviparous. HANDLE WITH CARE!

 

Unique Features:

This western species has 9 or more small scales (azygous scales) immediately posterior to the upturned rostral scale. The modified rostral scale is an adaptation for digging for toads, the preferred food.

 

Habitat and Diet:

These snakes favor sandy, brushy prairie habitats. Primarily feeds on toads

 

Geographic Range:

AR, IL, TX, KS, MO, OK