Gyalopion canum

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Western Hooknose Snake

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Gyalopion
Species:	G. canum

Binomial name

Gyalopion canum
Cope, 1860

Synonyms

Pariaspis canum
Cope, 1860
Ficimia cana
Cope, 1860

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.

[edit] Description

The Western Hooknose Snake is a small species, growing to from 7 to 11 inches long. They are gray or gray brown in color, with numerous 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.

[edit] 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 their primary defensive behaviors is to make a popping noise with their cloaca.