Western Hognose Snake

Death feigning behavior

Range and Distribution

Habitats

Food habits

Reproductive characteristics

Literature Cited

Author: Nicole Johns
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Site maintained by Dr. Mark Wallace
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The western hognose snake is best identified by its modified rostral scale. This gives the snake the hog like appearance for which it is named. The adults range in length from 15 to 25 inches. The typical dorsal coloration is buff with elliptical spots. The ventral coloration can vary but is usually black marked with pale blotches of white. The midbody can be identified by 23 rows of strongly keeled scales ending with a divided anal plate. This snake is found in the subfamily xenodontinae which is named for a group of snakes with unusual dental arrangements. The western hognose has two rear fangs that are attached to the back upper jaw useful in deflating prey such as toads. They are well distiguished from others by their elaborate defensive behavior. This snake has no true voice but when approached will puff out and produce a hiss like sound by expelling air rapidly from it's lungs.The puff is actually called head triangulation; it is normally interpreted as away of making the snake appear more formidable. According toWerener and head triangulation has been interpreted as a form of mimicry of sympatric vipers. While hissing as described above they will strike with their modified rostrum and then feign death.