Alternate Name(s):

Faded Snake

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

The several subspecies of glossy snakes can be difficult to differentiate. Counting dorsal blotches and checking range maps will help. This subspecies is a slender, 3-4’ long subspecies. It is a “desert pale” short-tailed, small-blotched, glossy snake that has 53 to 83 narrow dorsal spots. Scales are smooth and in 27 or fewer rows. Oviparous. The hatchlings look much like the adults.

Unique Features:

Count blotches and scale rows on this pale subspecies. And then check your range map.

Habitat and Diet:

Count blotches and scale rows on this pale subspecies. And then check your range map Despite their large size this snake preys predominantly on lizards but will also eat an occasional small mammal or bird.

Geographic Range:

CA, NV, UT