San Diego Night Snake
Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha klauberi
Venom Status:
Non Venomous
 
Characteristics:
With a ground color of light gray to cream to light brown with darker gray or brown dorsal and lateral spotting, this 15-20” long snake usually blends well with the soil and rocks of its habitat. 3 elongate nuchal (neck) blotches, the center one not widened posteriorly. The eyestripe usually does not touch the neck blotches. Pupils elliptical. Scales are smooth. Oviparous. A toxic saliva benumbs the lizards and frogs on which this species preys.
 
Unique Features:
Pupils elliptical. The dark eyestripe usually does not touch the enlarged lateral neck blotches.
 
Habitat and Diet:
Rocky Desert. Primarily feeds on lizards and frogs
 
Geographic Range:
CA, NM