Gyalopion canum
| Gyalopion canum | |
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| Species: | G. canum
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| Gyalopion canum Cope, 1860
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Gyalopion canum, commonly known as the Western hooknose snake, is a species of small colubrid snake endemic to the United States and Mexico. It is sometimes referred to as the Chihuahuan hook-nosed snake because it is commonly found in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Taxonomy
It was once classified in the genus Ficimia, but was reclassified due to distinct morphological characteristics.
Geographic range
It is found in the United States, from western Texas to southeastern Arizona, and into northern and central Mexico.
Description
The Western hooknose snake is a small species, growing to 36.5 cm (14⅜ inches) in total length. They are gray or grayish brown in color, with 25-48 dark brown or black blotches down their back,[3] 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.
Habitat
They prefer slightly sandy habitats, near a permanent water source.
Diet
Their diet consists primarily of spiders and centipedes.
Reproduction
They are oviparous.
Defense
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
- ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1894. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume II., Containing the Conclusion of the Colubridæ Aglyphæ. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, Printers.) London. xi + 382 pp. + Plates I.- XX. (Ficimia cana, p. 272.)
- ^ The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Smith, H.M., and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York. 240 pp. ISBN 0-307-13666-3 (paperback). (Gyalopion canum, pp. 174-175.)
Further reading
- Cope, E.D. 1860. Catalogue of the Colubridæ in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, with notes and descriptions of new species, Part 2. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 12: 241-266. (Gyalopion canum, p. 243.)
External links
- Species Gyalopion canum at The Reptile Database