Western Patch-Nosed Snake

The Western Patch-Nosed Snake is a slender, active colubrid found throughout arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is named for the distinctive enlarged rostral scale on its snout, which helps it dig for reptile eggs.

It is a diurnal, fast-moving predator often seen actively foraging across open desert terrain during the day.

• Slender body with a pale tan to yellowish ground color and a broad, darker stripe running down the back, bordered by lighter lateral stripes
• Enlarged, shield-like scale on the tip of the snout (the 'patch') used for digging
• Round pupils; smooth scales
• Long tail relative to body length
• Distinguished from whipsnakes by the presence of the enlarged rostral scale and striped rather than solid pattern

Inhabits desert scrub, sandy flats, rocky foothills, and semi-arid grasslands, often in areas with loose or sandy soil.

Diurnal and quick-moving, actively foraging during the day. Feeds on lizards and reptile eggs, using its patch-like snout scale to dig them out of the sand. Lays eggs in summer.