They also have dark brown V-shaped markings on their heads. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. Total length: 26 - 70 in (66 - 178 cm) They constrict their prey because their mild venom is not effective on birds and mammals. They're harmless, but might give a minor bite (some scratches) of picked up. This beautiful snake has red, black, and white crossbands, with the red bands bordered by thin bands of black. A lighter-colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail. . Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. Alternatively named the "flower pot snake", for good reason it is transported around the world from its original Indonesian home in soil and the roots of garden plants. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) They will open their mouths to hiss, and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat. Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. It has adapted well to human habitats. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). For example, the Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is very common in the right places, but the sight of one in the wild by a hiker or homeowner is quite rare. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. However, these shy and reclusive rattlesnakes are relatively small and prefer to live high in the mountains of Arizona, making human encounters rare and bites even rarer. Western Patch-nosed Snakes (Salvadora hexalepis) are fairly common in Arizona. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. When trying to identify a snake found in Arizona, there are a few things to bear in mind. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! They grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. Until recently, scientists considered the desert king snake to be a subspecies of Lampropeltis getula, like the California king snake or the eastern king snake. The long-nosed snake is a nonvenomous snake found in arid habitats in the Western United States. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. 230 helpful votes. The Desert Massasauga is protected in Arizona from all forms of collection and harrassment, though habitat-conservation is likely the only means of saving this species in our state. This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. They can reach sizes up to 5' long, though most are smaller. In AZ, this snake is only found in the extreme North Western Great Basin desert and Arizona Strip regions, up to 8,000 feet in elevation. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. It has alternating black . It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2' in length. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) Lets take a look at one or two of them. Total Length: 18 - 42 in (46 - 107 cm) They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Of species found within the metro-areas of Phoenix and Tucson, they are very infrequently encountered, with only a handful of individuals in our relocation records. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. The banded rock rattlesnake usually has a grey base coloration, and a series of black bands, sometimes with a very bright teal or green outline. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). How common are rattlesnake bites in Arizona? Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) Three subspecies are found in Arizona. Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. Coral snakes also have complete bands running to their undersides. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, Rosy Boas are secretive snakes found in a handful of mountain ranges south of the Gila River. The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake is similar in appearance to the other Shovel-nosed snakes in the state, appearing in varying amounts of white or cream, orange-red, and black bands. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. The smudge on the head is an easy differentiator between this snake and the other species of Western Rattlesnake (Grand Canyon and Midget Faded rattlesnakes). These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. When threatened, a rattlesnake shakes it tail and makes a rattling noise as a warning. This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. Rosy boas make excellent pets because of their small size and docile nature. You can also simply back away and leave. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen Longnosed Snakes and variety of other small, ground-dwelling species. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. They grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. The gopher snakes are harmless terrestrial hunters. They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. Though often attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. Its very possible that you will see a rattlesnake when you are out and about in Arizona, especially if youre in State Parks or other recreational areas. This behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often cause the lyre snake to be mistaken for a rattlesnake and killed. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. The Mojave is very commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and less likely seen in mountainous or rocky regions. They're small, usually only around a foot long. The desert kingsnake's dorsum is black or dark brown with yellow or off-white blotches. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. The Crotalus viridis nuntius, also known as the Hopi Rattlesnake, is named for the Native American Hopi tribe that inhabits the northeastern part of Arizona, where these snakes are found. This snake has a variety of color patterns including orange, red, or brown with horizontal black bands. Though sometimes theyll just swallow it whole. A montane species, it is usually found in oak-juniper and pinon-juniper woodlands but may be found at lower elevations in moist canyons. Non venomous [ edit] Arizona Milk Snake Arizona mountain kingsnake Arizona Patch-nosed Snake Blackneck Garter Snake Blind snake Checkered Garter Snake Coachwhip snake (Red Racer) Common Kingsnake Desert Kingsnake Gopher Snake Glossy Snake King Snake Ground Snake Desert Rosy Boa Snake Saddled Leafnose Snake ( Phyllorhynchus browni) Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. Vine snakes have round pupils and distinctive two-tone coloration. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Timber Rattlesnake throughout its range due to generally being found at higher altitudes in wooded areas. Species. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. Learn more. ), Pennsylvania Snakes Identification Guide: All Species & Pics, The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular, Large heat pits located between the eyes and nostrils, Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis occipitalis, Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake Chionactis palarostris, Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis annulata, Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion quadrangulare, Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion canum, Desert Nightsnake Hypsiglena chlorophaea, Desert Kingsnake Lampropeltis splendida, Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum, Western Milksnake Lampropeltis gentilis, California King Snake Lampropeltis californiae, Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana, Chihuahuan Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis knoblochi, Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus, Sonoran Whipsnake Masticophis bilineatus, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus browni, Western Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, Big Bend Patchnose Snake Salvadora deserticola, Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora grahamiae, Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis, Yaqui Black-headed Snake Tantilla yaquia, Plains Black-headed Snake Tantilla nigriceps, Southwestern Blackhead Snake Tantilla hobartsmithi, Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake Tantilla wilcoxi, Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus, Narrowhead Garter Snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus, Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans, Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata. 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