Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake

Sonora occipitalis occipitalis

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This slender burrowing desert dweller may attain a length of 15” or a bit more. The primary colors are straw-yellow with wide black bands. No secondary banding. Some black bands may be rings crossing the belly, otherwise the belly is white and concave. This is a species of the open desert sands. Use range to assist in identification

 

Unique Features:

The shovel-shaped snout, dorsal color, and range map should identify this little snake. Oviparous. The hatchlings look much like the adults.

 

Habitat and Diet:

This is a species of the open desert sands. Use range to assist in identification. Prey includes many arthropod species and their larvae.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, CA, NV