Western Ground snake (Sonora semiannulata)

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Photo by KarenL

Published on Project Noah

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36.3552, -112.661

Field Notes

Description:

A small (up to 15" in total length) snake with more than 20 dark brown to black bands on a cream to light yellow background.

Habitat:

Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub and Mohave Desertscrub communities are home to this snake. It is usually found in or near sandy washes or dunes in desert flats or on gently sloping bajadas.

Notes:

This snake is a ground dweller. It is primarily crepuscular but is occasionally active into the night and on mild days. Most surface activity occurs in spring. A good burrower, this snake spends most of its time under sand or sandy soil. It hibernates under the sand or soil during the cold months of fall and winter.

Reference Links:

Western ground snake

Species ID Suggestions