The Hog-nosed Snakes 



the characteristic snout, that so readily distinguishes species of 

 the genus, is most strikingly developed. 



Colouration. By one character, the present species may at 

 once be recognised from the closely allied H. simus. That is 

 presence of a wide area of black, covering the central portion of the 

 abdomen. The back is pale brown or yellowish, with a series 

 of closely set, darker blotches on the back, and two rows of 

 smaller, alternating blotches on the sides. 



The head is much paler than the body and strongly marked 

 with bands of rich brown, arranged thus: Two bands cross the 

 top of the head; another extends from behind the eye to the 

 angle of the mouth, while on each temple is a wide blotch or 

 band of the same colour. Between these blotches is a short, dark 

 bar. 



Variations. With many specimens the scales of the sides are 

 white, with brown centres, while the back looks decidedly yellow 

 and velvety, with but smoky traces of the large blotches. The 

 upper row of blotches on the sides, however, is usually distinct, 

 as are the head markings. 



Dimensions. Following are the measurements of a large 

 specimen, from western Texas : 



Total Length 23 inches. 



Length of Tail 2f 



Greatest Diameter " 



Width of Head " 



Length of Head I T V 



Distribution. Western United States and northern Mexico. 

 The general range is extensive including Montana in the North, 

 and the Dakotas. Eastward, the species ranges into Arkansas and 

 westward into Arizona, thence into Sonora, Mexico. It does not 

 occur in the Pacific region. 



Habits. The species is of less excitable disposition than the 

 Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes. It can never be induced to bite, 

 though it will sometimes bluff at doing so by striking with closed 

 jaws at the object of annoyance. None of the writer's specimens 

 could be induced to eat anything but toads, and of these, very 

 small snakes would often engulf prey of extraordinary propor- 

 tions as compared with the reptile's girth. Although a batrachian 

 was often strong enough to drag the snake about with it, the toad 

 was swallowed without what appeared to be undue exertion. 



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