Description: This species often has been considered a southern subspecies of the western hognose, Heterodon nasicus, but has been elevated to species rank. Keeled scales, heavy body, and large size (14 to 30 inches) will differentiate the various hog-noses from the diminutive smooth scaled hook nose snakes. This western species has from 2 to 6 small scales (azygous scales) immediately posterior to the upturned rostral scale. Keeled scales, upturned snout and habit of feigning death if stressed, are identifying characteristics.

Habitat: Prairie, grasslands, ranchlands, desert brushlands are all utilized.

Range: Range extends from southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southern Texas to northern central Mexico.

Found in these States: AZ | NM | TX

Diet: Primarily feeds on toads. Toads and other amphibians; nestling birds and mammals; lizards.

Reproduction: Hognose Snakes begin breeding as early as February and March. The species is oviparous, animals that lay their eggs with little or no other embryonic development within the mother, with females laying 4-23 elongate, thin-shelled eggs in June or August. The eggs take 60 days to hatch. Each hatchling is 5-9 in.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Taxonomy: