Kansas Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans elegans

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

A relatively slender, 3 to 5 foot long, smooth scaled constricting snake having numerous subspecies. Ground color of tan to light brown, and usually 51 or more black edged, darker brown, dorsal saddles as well as an uneven row of lateral spots. Occasional examples may lack blotches and spots having a black edges brown vertebral stripe instead. Sides may darken as age increases causing lateral spots to become largely obscured. Belly blotched (blotches sometimes absent). Use range as well as appearance to identify subspecies. Smooth scales in 29 rows.

 

Unique Features:

Identifying subspecies involves counting and averaging the number of dorsal saddles and ventral scales, the latter varying by gender. Use the range maps

 

Habitat and Diet:

Sandy habitats are preferred. Primarily feeds on lizards and small rodents.

 

Geographic Range:

TX, CO, KS, NE, NM, OK