Current Taxonomic Status of the Genus Heterodon
There seems to be some confusion as to the current classification of the Mexican hognose snake. Although there has been a recommendation published for the Mexican hognose snake to be recognized as a distinct species; it is still only a recommendation.
The current scientific name remains: Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi; and is a subspecies of the Western/Plains hognose snake.
Following are two lists, one from the Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH), and one from the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR). Both lists are in agreement, with the exception of the Dusty hognose snake.
CNAH
| Heterodon simus | Southern Hognose Snake |
| Heterodon platyrhinos | Eastern Hognose Snake |
| Heterodon nasicus gloydi | Dusty Hognose Snake |
| Heterodon nasicus nasicus | Plains Hognose Snake |
| Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi | Mexican Hognose Snake |
SSAR
| Heterodon simus | Southern Hog-nosed Snake |
| Heterodon platyrhinos | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake |
| Heterodon gloydi1 | Dusty Hog-nosed Snake |
| Heterodon nasicus nasicus | Plains Hog-nosed Snake |
| Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi | Mexican Hog-nosed Snake |
1From 2003 update.