Mesa Verde Night Snake

Hypsiglena chlorophaea loreala

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Adult at 18-24”. This slender, nocturnal, snake has a ground color of grayish-brown to warm –brown, a row of darker dorsal blotches that may be divided at midline, and a row of smaller lateral; blotches on each side. A large dark blotch is on each side of the neck and a narrow elongate blotch occurs on the nape. Oviparous. A toxic saliva benumbs the lizards and frogs on which this species preys

 

Unique Features:

The 3 subspecies differ genetically but are almost impossible to differentiate by external characteristics. Use range as an identifier.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Rocky desert. Primarily feeds on lizards and toads.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, NM