Rock Snake

Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha, (Cope)

Colouration: Gray, pale brown or yellow, with a series of irregular, dark brown blotches on the back, very narrowly margined with black; two small, alternating series of blotches on each side.
Dimensions: Total Length . . . . .15 3/4 inches.
Distribution: Western Texas to southern California; Lower California and northern Mexico.
Habits: Probably nocturnal, owing to the elliptical pupil. A small swift (Sceloporus) was found in the stomach of an alcoholic specimen; the eggs of some small lizard or snake were taken from the stomach of another.

Size small; body stout; head moderately distinct. One large preocular plate, and generally a small one below it (the plates in front of the eye). Scales in 21 rows.

A dark band through each eye, extending backward to the neck; a central stripe between these bands; the three bands often fuse into a large, dark blotch situated a short distance behind the head. Top of head and lip plates, dotted with brown. Abdomen white.

Length of Tail . . . . . 3 1/8 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . . 3/8 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 5/16 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 9/16 inches.

The Genus Stilosoma: One species known; it inhabits Florida. Body very slender. Teeth of the upper jaw of about uniform size. Ventral plate entire.