Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos • Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Dipsadinae; Genus: Heterodon; Species: Heterodon platirhinos
Found across North America, throughout the eastern United States from southern New England to Florida, and west to Texas and Kansas.
Look up Eastern Hognose Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Colubridae; Subfamily: Dipsadinae; Genus: Heterodon; Species: Heterodon platirhinos
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). However, they are threatened locally by habitat loss and persecution due to their cobra-like mimicry.
Physical Description
Thick-bodied with a distinctive upturned snout used for digging. Variable coloration (gray, tan, orange, or solid black). This specimen shows a light-colored ventral (belly) surface with darkened lateral edges and keeled dorsal scales.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be an adult of approximately 60-80 cm. Species typical range is 50-115 cm in total length.
Habitat
Prefer areas with sandy soil for burrowing, including woodlands, coastal scrub, and fields. Often found near water sources where amphibians are present.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized toad-eaters (Bufophagous). They use their upturned snouts to dig for prey and enlarged rear teeth to puncture inflated toads so they can be swallowed.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay between 8 to 40 eggs in sandy burrows during early summer, which hatch in late summer or autumn.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). However, they are threatened locally by habitat loss and persecution due to their cobra-like mimicry.
Cultural Significance
Commonly known as 'puff adders' or 'hissing sandsnakes' in American folklore. They play a vital ecological role in controlling amphibian populations.
Notable Features
The species is a master of 'thanatosis' (death-feigning behavior), even going so far as to emit a foul-smelling musk and let their tongue hang out to appear like a rotting carcass.