Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Heterodon, Species: Heterodon platirhinos
Eastern North America, from southern Ontario and southern New Hampshire to southern Florida, and west to southern South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas.
Look up Eastern Hognose Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Mildly venomous (Rear-fanged/Opisthoglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless - While they are technically venomous, they are extremely reluctant to bite humans and their venom lacks the potency to cause significant harm. Most reactions are localized swelling.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Dipsadinae, Genus: Heterodon, Species: Heterodon platirhinos
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN); however, some regional populations are declining due to habitat loss and the decline of their primary prey (toads).
Physical Description
Stocky body with a characteristic upturned snout used for digging. The specimen shown is a melanistic (dark) individual with keeled scales. Typically they have a broad head and round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult, approximately 60-80 cm. Species range is typically 45 to 115 cm total length.
Habitat
Favors open areas with sandy or loose soils for burrowing, including pine forests, coastal scrublands, and open woodlands. Generally found at lower elevations near water sources where amphibians are present.
Behavior & Temperament
Famous for elaborate defensive displays including neck-spreading (like a cobra), loud hissing, and if further harassed, thanatosis (playing dead) by rolling onto its back with its mouth open.
Diet & Feeding
Specialist feeder on amphibians, primarily toads (Bufo/Anaxyrus). They possess specialized adrenal glands to handle toad toxins and enlarged rear teeth to puncture inflated toads.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 8 to 40 eggs in sandy burrows during early summer. Eggs hatch after about 60 days.
Venom Profile
Mildly toxic saliva specifically adapted for incapacitating toads; contains proteolytic enzymes. It is not considered medically significant to humans.
Look-alikes
Melanistic individuals can be confused with Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) or Racers (Coluber constrictor). Distinguished from vipers by the lack of pits and the presence of the upturned snout.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, some regional populations are declining due to habitat loss and the decline of their primary prey (toads).
Cultural Significance
Commonly nicknamed 'Puff Adder' or 'Spread-head Moocasin' due to its dramatic bluffs, which often lead to unnecessary killing by people who mistake them for dangerous snakes.
Notable Features
The upturned rostral scale (snout) and its theatrical 'death-faking' behavior are its most unique evolutionary adaptations.