Mountain Patch-Nosed Snake
Salvadora grahamiae
A slender striped snake of rocky foothills and mountain canyons, closely related to the Western Patch-Nosed Snake.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 60-105 cm (24-41 in)
- Range
- Southwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) and Mexico
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Overview
The Mountain Patch-Nosed Snake is a slender colubrid closely related to the Western Patch-Nosed Snake, occupying higher-elevation habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It shares the family's characteristic enlarged snout scale used for digging.
It tends to occur at somewhat higher, rockier elevations than its lowland desert relative, often in oak-juniper woodlands and mountain foothills.
How to identify it
- Slender body with tan to olive ground color and a broad dark dorsal stripe bordered by lighter stripes along the sides
- Enlarged, shield-like rostral scale at the tip of the snout
- Round pupils; smooth, glossy scales
- Long, slender tail
- Distinguished from the Western Patch-Nosed Snake mainly by range and slightly different scale counts, with overlap possible where ranges meet
Habitat & range
Found in rocky foothills, canyons, and oak-juniper woodlands at moderate elevations, often in areas transitional between desert and mountain habitat.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and active, foraging by day across rocky terrain. Feeds primarily on lizards and reptile eggs. Lays eggs during the warmer months.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mountain Patch-Nosed Snake venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous and poses no danger to people.
How does it differ from the Western Patch-Nosed Snake?
It generally occupies higher, rockier elevations and differs subtly in scale counts, though the two species are closely related and similar in appearance.
What is its snout used for?
The enlarged scale on its snout helps it dig into loose soil for buried reptile eggs.
What habitat does it prefer?
Rocky foothills, canyons, and oak-juniper woodlands at moderate elevations.
Mountain Patch-Nosed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Mountain Patch-Nosed Snake.
