Description: The southwestern blackhead snake is a small snake, growing to a maximum total length (including tail) of 15 inches, but typically averaging around 8 inches in total length. Dorsally, it is uniformly brown in color, except for the black-colored head, which gives it its common name, and a cream-colored or white collar. On the belly, there is a broad reddish stripe, which runs down the center of the ventral scales.

Habitat: Found in desert, grassland, sagebrush, creosote bush, chaparral, juniper scrub, open coniferous forests. Prefers canyon bottoms and the rocky edges of streams and washes. Often found beneath rocks, plant debris, and other surface cover.

Range: The known range of this species in California and elsewhere is spotty due to its secretive nature. Its range is probably less disjointed than the records show. It has been recorded from the southern Sierra Nevada foothills and in the southern San Joaquin Valley, in the Owens Valley north to the White Mountains, through the Death Valley region, and in isolated locations in the eastern Mojave desert. Outside of California, it occurs in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

Found in these States: AZ | CA | CO | NM | NV | TX | UT

Diet: Eats a variety of invertebrates and their larvae including millipedes and centipedes

Reproduction: Females are oviparous, laying up to 3 eggs in summer.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining.

Taxonomy: