Gyalopion canum

Western hooknose snake
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Subfamily:	Colubrinae
Genus:	Gyalopion
Species:	G. canum
Binomial name
Gyalopion canum Cope, 1860
Synonyms
Ficimia cana - Garman, 1883

The Western hooknose snake (Gyalopion canum) is a species of small colubrid snake native to the United States, from western Texas to southeastern Arizona, and into northern and central Mexico. It was once classified in the genus Ficimia, but was reclassified due to distinct morphological characteristics. It is sometimes referred to as the Chihuahuan hook-nosed snake because it is commonly found in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Description

The Western hooknose snake is a small species, growing to 18-28 cm (7-11 inches) long. They are gray or gray brown in color, with 25-48 dark brown or black blotches down their back, and a cream colored underside. They have a slightly upturned snout, which gives them their common name.

Behavior

Hooknose snakes are nocturnal burrowers, most often found under rocks. They prefer slightly sandy habitats, near a permanent water source. Their diet consists primarily of spiders and centipedes. They are oviparous.

One of its primary defensive behaviors is to make a popping noise with its cloaca, i.e., farting. According to an article in the August, 2000 issue of Discover magazine, during a laboratory experiment carried out by Bruce Young, a morphologist at Lafayette College, the snakes only farted when they felt threatened, and some farted so energetically that they lifted themselves off the ground. [1]

Speed

Gyalopion canum is quick in short bursts or spurts.

References

• Species Gyalopion canum at The Reptile Database

• Herps of Texas: Gyalopion canum