Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake

(Chionactis palarostris)
Subspecies: Organ Pipe

Description:
10-15 1/2" (25.4-39.4 cm). A tiny yellow snake with alternating black and red saddle-shaped crossbands. Black crossbands--generally fewer than 21 on body--usually extend across underside. Snout yellow, overhangs lower jaw, is slightly convex in profile. Scales smooth, in 15 ffrows. Anal plate divided.
Breeding:
Habits unknown; presumably lays about 4 eggs in summer.
Habitat:
Saguaro-paloverde dominated upland desert in Arizona; arid mesquite-creosote bush-bur sage terrain to the south.
Range:
Organ Pipe Cactus National Park, sw. Arizona south to wc. Sonora, Mexico.
Subspecies:
Two; 1 in our range. Organ Pipe (C. p. organica).

Nocturnal. A strong burrower with habits similar to those of the Western Shovel-nosed, but appears to prefer rockier terrain. Feeds on invertebrates.

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