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Eastern Hognose Snake

(Heterodon platirhinos)  

  Identification: This species resembles the western hognose snake but has 25 (versus 23) scale rows on the back and sides at midbody, the large prefrontal scales (on top of the head, just in front of the eyes) are in contact with each other (versus separated by small scales), and the underside of the tail is not black; the eastern hognose also grows larger (to 116 cm [46 inches] total length).

Feigning death

Possible Colorado Distribution: Known from one specimen collected along the Arkansas River nine miles west of Lamar in Bent County in 1943. This specimen and others from the southwestern margin of Kansas suggest the possible natural occurrence of a population of this species in the Arkansas River valley or along the Cimarron River in southeastern Colorado.

Habitat: Most likely to be found in sandy river valleys.   

Life History: In Kansas, females deposit a clutch of eggs in late June or July. Frogs and toads, which the snake may dig out of the ground, are the usual diet.