Glossy Snake

About the Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans is a species of medium-sized colubrid snake commonly referred to as the glossy snake or the faded snake, which is native to southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has several subspecies. Some have recommended that A. elegans occidentalis be granted full species status.

Subspecies of Arizona elegans include: Arizona elegans arenicola Dixon, 1960 – Texas glossy snake Arizona elegans candida Klauber, 1946 – Western Mojave glossy snake Arizona elegans eburnata Klauber, 1946 – Desert glossy snake

Arizona elegans elegans Kennicott, 1859 – Kansas glossy snake Arizona elegans expolita Klauber, 1946 – Chihuahua glossy snake Arizona elegans noctivaga Klauber, 1946 – Arizona glossy snake Arizona elegans occidentalis Blanchard, 1924 – California glossy snake

Arizona elegans philipi Klauber, 1946 – Painted Desert glossy snake The glossy snake and its many subspecies are all similar in appearance to gopher snakes. However, they are smaller than gopher snakes, with narrow, pointed heads, and a variety of skin patterns and colors. They appear "washed-out" or pale, hence the common name, "faded snakes".

Most subspecies are ca. 75–130 cm... Wikipedia →