Southern Hog-nosed Snake

Heterodon simus, (Linn.)

Colouration: Pale brownish-gray above; with a series of large, rather irregular patches of blackish-brown on the back; between these blotches the body-colour is slightly paler than on the sides. Beneath these spots, on each side of the reptile, is a row of smaller spots, in alternation with those above.
Dimensions: The measurements of a specimen taken in Hampton County, South Carolina, are given:
Distribution: Of limited distribution, this snake occurs from South Carolina, inclusive, throughout Florida and west-ward to the Mississippi.
Habits: Stouter in body and with very abruptly upturned snout, this species when irritated succeeds in looking yet more hostile than the preceding. It is greatly dreaded by the Southern negroes, who believe its actions portray venomous powers quite equal to the rattlesnake. On all sides it is mercilessly slaughtered as the "Blow Snake" or "Sand Viper."

Considerably smaller than the preceding species--attaining a length of about twenty inches--and stouter in form. The shovel-like rostral plate (on the snout) is more prominent and very sharply upturned.

With the exception of this smaller row of spots on the sides the ground-colour presents a plain, unspotted surface, and the abdomen is likewise immaculate. This is in contrast to the preceding and more generally distributed species, with which the sides of the reptile and the edges of the abdominal plates are profusely spotted or blotched with black.

At a glance, the pattern of the present species appears plainer--more sharply defined--than with the commoner snake, although the arrangement of the bolder markings is very similar.

There is a broken band across the top of the head, and another from the eye to the angle of the mouth. On the nape are two large blotches.

Variations.--The body-colour varies from gray to yellow. Many specimens have a tinge of brick-red on the neck or over a considerable portion of the forward part of the body.

Total Length . . . . . 18 1/2 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . . 2 1/4 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . . 7/8 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 3/4 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 1 1/8 inches.

In habits the species is very similar to the Common Hognosed Snake. The majority of specimens taken by the writer were sunning in the cotton fields. It is much less abundant than the allied species and unlike the latter, which often wanders into the timber, appears to have a decided preference for dry and open places.

Captive specimens will eat both toads and frogs, but they prefer the former.