Desert night snake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea)

Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea)   

The Desert Nightsnake is a small, slender snake that typically reaches a length of 12 to 26 inches (30 to 66 cm). It has a pale gray, tan, or light brown body adorned with dark gray or brown blotches along its back, usually arranged in one or two longitudinal rows. A key feature is the dark line that extends from each eye, merging into one or two lateral blotches on the neck. Additionally, there is a central nuchal blotch on the neck that can be a broad rectangle or wedge shape with a narrow anterior spine. This snake has a triangular-shaped head, elliptical vertical pupils, and smooth scales. The underside is plain and pale gray or white.

The Desert Nightsnake is widely distributed across western and southern Arizona, extending through the western United States, from British Columbia to Guerrero, Mexico. It occupies elevations from sea level up to about 8,700 feet (2,650 meters).

 A highly adaptable species, the Desert Nightsnake thrives in a diverse array of habitats including desertscrub, grasslands, chaparral, woodlands, rocky areas, moist mountain meadows, and thornscrub. It can be found in terrain ranging from flat, sandy deserts to steep, rocky, wooded slopes, and is often most abundant in moderate terrain within desertscrub and grassland communities.

 This nocturnal and crepuscular snake is rarely seen during the day, often encountered crossing roads at night. During the colder months of late fall and winter, it hibernates. The Desert Nightsnake is mildly venomous but its venom poses no danger to humans. When threatened, it may exhibit defensive behaviors such as raising its head, hissing, and flattening its neck.

 The Desert Nightsnake primarily preys on lizards, small snakes, and their eggs. It also consumes frogs, toads, small mice, and various arthropods. Young night snakes may feed on insects. The snake uses mild venom, injected through enlarged rear teeth, to subdue its prey.

Mating occurs in the spring, with females laying clutches of 2 to 9 eggs during the spring and summer months. The reproductive cycle and clutch size can vary, influenced by environmental conditions and availability of food.

The conservation status of desert night snakes is generally stable, as they inhabit a range of habitats and are not considered to be under significant threat. However, habitat loss, fragmentation, and human induced disturbances can impact their populations.

References:

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Stebbins, R. C., & McGinnis, S. M. (2018). Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (4th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Brennan, T. C. (n.d.-a). Desert Nightsnake. The reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. https://reptilesofaz.org/snakes-subpages/h-h-chlorophaea/

Brennan, T. C., & Holycross, A. T. (2022). A field guide to Amphibians and reptiles in Arizona (2nd ed.). Arizona Game and Fish Dept.

Night snake (Hypsiglena torquata). Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. (n.d.). https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_night_snake.php