Variable Sand Snake

Chilomeniscus stramineus

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This is a tiny (about 9”) burrowing snake that is often surface active after dark. It has both a banded and a bandless color pattern with the former being the most common in the USA and the latter being often seen on the Baja Peninsula. The most common color pattern incorporates numerous thick black bands with rounded ends over a ground color of reddish-brown back and lighter sides. Variations of this theme are well documented. The belly is white and concave. The rostral (nose-tip) scale is enlarged. The snout is shovel-shaped to facilitate burrowing. The head width is not greater than that of the neck. The tail is short and rather blunt. This is a species of open sandy deserts as well as brushy, gravelly areas. Oviparous. The hatchlings look much like the adults.

 

Unique Features:

he shovel-shaped snout and dorsal color should identify this little snake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Open desert with various sand qualities. Primarily feeds on arthropods.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, CA,