Description
The Western Hognose has a tan, gray or yellowish gray
body with large dark blotches down the back and several rows of
smaller spots down the sides. It has a sharply upturned and
pointed snout. The Western Hognose Snakes is thick bodied with a
broad neck. The scales are keeled.
Maximum length is just under a metre.
Confusing Species
Other prairie species with bold blotches are the Gopher Snake and the Western Rattlesnake. Neither of these species
has an upturned snout. The Western Rattlesnake has a rattle at the
tip of the tail and a distinctly triangular head. Gopher Snakes
have a decidely checkered pattern to their blotches. The
Eastern Hognose Snake is very similar
although in Canada it is only found in Ontario. The underside of
the belly is more mottled than blotched and the snout is not as
sharply upturned.
Distribution
Within Canada, the Western Hognose Snake is found in
southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It is distributed in
the central plains south into Mexico.
Habitat
This species is found in sandy or gravelly areas within
the prairies or adjacent scrubland or floodplains.
Reproduction
Mating and courtship behaviour have not been observed
in the wild. Females lay 4-23 eggs each summer. Hatchlings are
about 17 cm total length.
Natural history
The Western Hognose eats toads, frogs, salamanders,
lizards and other snakes as well as small rodents and some
invertebrates. It has specialized teeth at the back of the mouth
which are used to puncture toads that have inflated themselves.
The upturned snout is used for digging in loose soil. When
threatened an individual may either spread its neck like a hood,
hiss and strike or else play dead. It may bite if handled and
although it has a mild venom it is not toxic to humans. It can
live for up to eight years.
Conservation Concerns
This species appears to be declining across the
prairies. Its status is currently being evaluated by COSEWIC.
|
