Black Hog-nosed Snake

Heterodon platyrhinus, variety niger, (Baird & Girard)

Colouration: Above, the body is very dark gray, or slaty black, with no trace of pattern.
Dimensions: In size, this variety agrees with the typical form. The largest specimen examined showed the following measurements:
Distribution: The Black Hog-nosed Snake is distributed over the same area as given for the typical form.

This formidable looking reptile is but a colour variety of the preceding snake. While the writer is not in favour of naming varieties from difference of colour alone, the total absence of pattern from large numbers of specimens which are black or very dark gray, points to a character that should be recognized for the guidance of the popular student and the beginner in this branch of zoology.

The top of the head is black, but the upper lip plates (superior labials) are white, with a tinge of black at their borders or sprinkled with black dots. The flat portion of the upturned snout is also white, as is the chin and throat; farther down the undersurface the white fades into gray.

Total Length . . . . . 36 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . . 5 1/2 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . . 1 1/2 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 1 3/4 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 1 1/4 inches.

This specimen was captured in Sullivan County, New York.