Western Leaf-nosed Snake

About the Western Leaf-nosed Snake

Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, the spotted leafnose snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The snake is found in the United States and Mexico. Phyllorhynchus decurtatus is a small snake ranging from around 150–450 mm (5.9–17.7 in) in length. The dorsal half of its body varies in color but is generally light brown, with some individuals appearing more cream, pink, or grey colored. Its patterning consists of dark, irregular blotches down the length of its back, and the amount of spots varies between individuals and populations. Markings come in various shades of brown, and are darker along their borders. The amount of blotches on the body range from 18 to 60, and the amount on the tail ranges from 2-15. This species has a dark band running across both of the eyes, which have vertical pupils. It also has a large rostral scale, hence the common name leafnose snake.

The range of Phyllorhynchus decurtatus extends throughout the southwestern United States in the states of California, Nevada, and Arizona, with a single specimen having been spotted in southern Utah. In Mexico it can be found along the coastline of the Gulf of California... Wikipedia →