Patch-nosed Snake | Herps of Texas

Salvadora deserticola

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Salvadora deserticola

Common Name. Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake

General information. Both Salvadora species are considered non-venomous with S. deserticola reported to feed on lizards, snakes, a variety of reptile eggs, small mammals, and insects. Much of this animal’s foraging times coincide with peak lizard activity time, translating to summer activity hours early in the morning as well as in the waning daylight hours of the evening. The longitudinal stripes running the length of the body may appear conspicuous at first glance, but the longitudinal pattern makes them difficult to catch as they make their way through the rocks and underbrush.

Protected status. The Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Dorsal scales are typically smooth, with scales near the vent of mature specimens occassionally being keeled Anal plate is divided.

Coloration. Yellow or tan colored dorsal background Two conspicuous dark lateral lines that run the length of the body. Presence of these stripes leave a tan colored stripe down the midline of the snake. Two additional dark lateral lines are found along the fourth scale row. Ventral scales are usually peach colored and free of dark pigment.

General distribution. The range of Salvadora deserticola in North America ranges from western Texas through southeastern Arizona in the north, with populations extending down into the northern states of Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Salvadora deserticola is restricted to the western extremes of Chihuahuan Desert habitat in the state.

Habitat. Salvadora deserticola is frequently seen in the early daylight hours throughout its distribution in the extreme western portions of the Trans-Pecos in desert habitats composed of sandy or loose soils, ranging from dry wash beds and rocky foothills. This patch-nosed snake species occasionally is found in the same habitat as its congener, S. grahamiae, though the latter snake is typically found at higher elevations.

Reproduction. Not much is known specifically about the reproductive natural history of this species, other than it is an egg layer. Information regarding similar species indicate that mating takes place in April and May, with egg laying occurring from May until August.

Size. Adult Salvadora deserticola reach lengths of 61-81 cm (24-32 in), with a record length recorded of 101.5 cm (40 in)

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Salvadora grahamiae

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Salvadora grahamiae

Common Name. Eastern Patch-nosed Snake

General information. Eastern Patch-nosed Snakes typically forage during the early morning hours for lizards and small mammals, though they can be found hiding under boards, flat stones, and dead vegetation. These snakes also appear to have a long period of activity, from March to November, meaning their crepuscular activity switches to diurnal during the early spring and late fall. Salvadora generally do not bite when handled, though they will often musk their handler.

Protected status. The Eastern Patch-nosed Snake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Upturned rostral scale Smooth dorsal scales (in 17 rows at midbody) Divided anal plate

Coloration. Two dark dorsolateral lines run the length of the body, on top of a tannish background. These two dark lines outline a light colored (tan, orange, or yellow) middorsal stripe, which is colored differently than the tan sides of the body. The presence or absence of a secondary dark lateral line distinguishes between the two subspecies currently recognized in Texas Both subspecies with a peach or cream colored belly Light vertebral stripe is supposedly wider in S. g. grahamiae (3 scale rows wide vs. 2 scale rows wide in S. g. lineata), but there appears to be too much variability to make this character applicable.

General distribution. Salvadora grahamiae is found through much of south, central and west Texas, as well as the higher elevations of New Mexico and southern Arizona; the range of S. grahamiae extends into Mexico as well, being found well into Coahuila and Durango.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Salvadora grahamiae is found across much of the western half, as well as the southern portions, of the state.

Habitat. Salvadora grahamiae is generally found in the higher, more vegetated areas of central and west Texas, present from the juniper wooded Hill Country, into the Chihuahuan Desert of Big Bend and the Trans-Pecos, where it can be found sympatrically with S. deserticola. It is also found less commonly in the thornscrub areas of south Texas.

Reproduction. Reproduction takes place in the early spring, with clutches of eggs laid in May and June. Young hatch out in August, measuring 26 cm (10 in) in length and look much like their parents, though paler in color.

Size. Salvadora grahamiae grow to adult lengths of 46-86 cm (18-34 in).