Southern hog-nosed snake
Heterodon simus, commonly known as the southern hog-nosed snake, is a harmless snake species endemic to the southeastern United States. No subspecies are currently recognized.
The Southern hog-nosed snake is a harmless snake species native to the southeastern United States. It is small but stout with a wide neck and a sharply upturned snout. The dorsal color pattern consists of a light brown, yellowish, grayish, or reddish ground color, overlaid with a distinct row of dark blotches that alternate with smaller blotches on the flanks. The belly is distinctly darker in color than the underside of the tail in juveniles. As the snake ages, the underside usually becomes a pale white.
Southern hognose snakes are found in the southeastern United States from North Carolina, south to Lake Okeechobee in Florida, and west to Mississippi. They inhabit dry and open sandy areas, dry river floodplains, fields, and wire grass flatwoods.
Southern hognose snakes are active during the day, usually from May till October. They lead a solitary life and spend much of their time burrowed in the soil. Southern hognose snakes are not venomous and almost never bite. When threatened they will hiss loudly and spread the skin around their head and neck, just like a cobra. They may also play dead by rolling on their back, convulse and open their mouth.
Southern hognose snakes are carnivores. They prey upon toads, frogs, spadefoots, and lizards.
Southern hognose snakes are polyandrous meaning that one female mates with multiple males. The breeding season usually occurs from April through August. Females lay 6-14 thin-shelled, leathery, whitish eggs which hatch after 55-60 days. Hatchlings are independent from birth and measure 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in total length.
Southern hognose snakes are threatened by habitat loss due to the expansion of agriculture, the use of pesticides, persecution by humans, and road mortality.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Southern hognose snake is fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
