Mexican Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi
General Description:
The length of an adult Mexican hognose snake (H. n. kennerlyi) is from 18-25 inches; with females getting longer than males. These snakes have a stout or heavy appearance and range in color from light yellow with light brown blotches, to light gray with brown blotches. Between the snout and vent, males will generally have fewer than 32 dorsal blotches, and females fewer than 37. The belly is heavily marked with a black and yellow, black and orange, or black and red checker board-like pattern. Specimens with entirely black bellies are not uncommon. The underside of the tail is marked with black. The snake has a sharply upturned rostral scale, divided anal plate, and 6 or less azygous scales.
Although H. n. kennerlyi is described as having 6 or less azygous scales; this topic warrants further discussion (See article on azygous scales in H. n. kennerlyi).
Range:
In the United States, H. n. kennerlyi is only found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona; along the United States-Mexico border.
Habitat:
This snake prefers scrubby grasslands and pastures with loose, sandy or gravely soil suitable for burrowing.
Food:
H. n. kennerlyi preys on amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
Natural History
H. n. kennerlyi is not commonly found in the wild. Those encountered, are usually seen at dusk. The defensive characteristic seems to be less developed in H. n. kennerlyi, and it is thought to live a more fossorial life style than the other species of the genus.
Final Notes:
In researching this species, I have found that there is actually very little known of its natural history. Most of the information on H. n. kennerlyi is uncertain, speculative, and even ambiguous. There seems to be contradicting information on everything from breeding to identification. This may very well be one of the least understood snakes found in the United States.