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Home > Snakes > Western Hognose Snake

Western Hognose Snake

The western hognose snake is a small, non-venomous species of the colubrid family found extensively in North America.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Colubridae
    Subfamily Xenodontinae
    Genus Heterodon
    Scientific Name Heterodon nasicus


    Other Names Texas Hognose Snake, Prairie Hognose Snake, Blow Snake, Faux Viper, Bluffer, Spreadhead Snake, Spoonbill Snake, Texas Rooter.
    Length 2 to 3 feet
    Weight Up to 800 gm
    Color Tan, brown , gray or olive dorsal ground color; dark, more or less square irregular spots or bars or rows of parallel spots runs lengthwise along the body; shiny black scales are present ventrally with scattered white, yellow or orange
    Distribution Whole of the United States, southern Canada, northern Mexico
    Habitat Prairies, river floodplains, semi-deserts, scrub and grasslands, semiagricultural areas
    Diet Frogs, toads, small lizards, small snakes, rodents, small birds
    Hibernation Fact Hibernates during winter months
    Predators Larger snakes, hawks, crows, fox, coyotes, raccoons, domestic cats, domestic dogs, skunks
    Venom Fact Non-venomous
    Breeding Season June to August
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 4 – 23
    Incubation Period 40 – 65 days
    Reproductive Age 1 year of age in case of males and 2 years of age in case of females
    Average Lifespan In wild: Around 14 years
    In captivity: 10 to 20 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Western Hognose Snake Pictures Gallery

    Published on September 9th 2016 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 4th June 2019.

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