Colorado Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake
Chionactis occipitalis annulata
Shovel-Nosed Snakes are found in areas of loose sand such as dunes and sandy washes where they can burrow or "swim" through the sand. At night they may emerge from the sand where they can forage for insects, spiders, and scorpions. When discovered they will quickly burrow into the sand and disappear from sight. These attractive small snakes have alternating black and red bands on a yellow background. The snake on this page was photographed at the Imperial Sand Dunes in California.
