Common ground snake, Variable ground snake, Miter snake
The western ground snake (Sonora semiannulata ) is a species of small, harmless colubrid snake. The species is endemic to North America. It is sometimes referred to as the common ground snake or variable ground snake, as its patterning and coloration can vary widely, even within the same geographic region. Another common name is miter snake referring to the head marking which suggests a bishop's miter; the synonym "episcopus " (Latin for "bishop") is a similar allusion.
The Western ground snake is a small, harmless colubrid snake native to North America. It is sometimes referred to as the Common ground snake or Variable ground snake, as its patterning and coloration can vary widely, even within the same geographic region. Individuals can be brown, red, or orange, with black banding, orange or brown striping, or be solid-colored. The underside is typically white or gray. These snakes have smooth dorsal scales, a small head, and the pupil of their eye is round.
Western ground snakes are found in the Southwestern United States, in Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, as well as northern Mexico, in Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, and Sonora. They prefer to live in dry, rocky areas with loose soil.
Western ground snakes are secretive and prefer to spend their time singly. They are typically nocturnal and are often found on roadsides, or in dry drainage ditches at night, foraging for food.
These snake are carnivores and feed on invertebrates, such as spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, and insect larvae.
Western ground snakes are oviparous, breeding and laying eggs through the summer months.
There are no major threats for Western ground snakes at present.
According to IUCN, the Western ground snake is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
