A Survey of the Herpetofauna of the Comanche National Grasslands in Southeastern
Colorado
Appendix 7:
Photographs of selected habitat and species of amphibians and
reptiles observered during the 1995-1997 field seasons
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| Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus nasicus). Hognose
snakes are common in shortgrass prairie habitat, and prefer toads as
prey, particularly spadefoots. However, small rodents are also taken.
Note the large upturned rostral scale, characteristic of this species. |
 |
| Death-feigning position of western hognose snake. After attempting
a threat display (hissing, striking with mouth closed), hognose snakes
will often "play dead"; this tactic may allow them to escape from a
canid predator carrying them off, as the predator may not be particularly
vigilant about a "dead" snake. |
Previous Section -- Great Plains ratsnake (
Elaphe
guttata emoryi) & Neonate Great Plains ratsnake
Return to Contents
Next Section -- Texas night snake (
Hypsiglena torquata
janii) & Common kingsnake (
Lampropeltis getulus holbrookia/splendida
intergrade)
