Eastern Hognose Snake

The eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos), is a species of mildly venomous rear-fanged snake in the family Colubridae. The venom is specifically adapted to amphibian prey and is harmless to humans. Some people may have an allergic reaction, though, so experience local swelling and other symptoms. The species is endemic to North America. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid. This species prefers habitats with sandy soils and a combination of grass fields and forest edges. They come in many different colorations and have the identifiable upturned "snout". They can be found in captivity, but are a relatively difficult species to keep due to a specialized diet of toads. As with other Heterodon species, they have a distinctive threat reaction of first bluffing by striking with a closed mouth and then pretending to die if this fails to deter the threat.

Geographic range

H. platirhinos has a wide geographical range from the central United States to the East Coast. In the northern parts of the range, it can be found in southern Ontario, southern New Hampshire, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Farther west, the snake can be found in Texas and Kansas. The southern part of the range then extends into southern Florida. Populations start to dwindle as the species reaches the northern range.

Habitat

H. platirhinos prefers upland sandy pine forests, old fields, and forest edges. Like most of the genus Heterodon, the it prefers dry conditions with loose soil for burrowing. These loose soils are preferable habitat components for nesting and egg laying. Barrier beach and dune ecosystems appear to contain some of the highest densities of H. platirhinos because of abundant prey (primarily anurans from the genera Anaxyrus). At the northern end of its range, it has been found to prefer developed lands as its desired habitat followed by mixed forests dominated by hemlock trees, pitch pines, or oaks. In Canada, the average home range size is about 40 hectares. Their habitats include southeastern and midwestern woodlands, tall-grassland prairies, and grassy or cultivated fields along woodland edges. Its habitat range tends to increase with grass and leaf litter.

Description and etymology

The generic name Heterodon is derived from the Greek words heteros meaning "different" and odon meaning "tooth". The specific name platirhinos is derived from the Greek words platys meaning "broad or flat" and rhinos meaning "snout". This species of snake is described as being quite stout-bodied. The color pattern of this snake is extremely variable, from red, green, or orange to brown, gray, or black, or any combination thereof depending on locality. Dorsally, it can be blotched, checkered, or patternless. The belly tends to be a solid gray, yellow, or cream-colored. In this species, the underside of the tail is lighter than the belly. Its most distinguishing feature is the upturned snout, used for digging in sandy soils. The average adult of H. platirhinos measures 71 cm (28 in) in total length (including tail), with females being larger than males. The maximum recorded total length is 116 cm (46 in).

Behavior