Texas Patch-nosed Snake, West Lake Hills, TX 101908 pg. 2

Jeff's photo of these two serpents, when enlarged, shows the anatomical feature behind their common name. The nose of the smaller snake plainly shows the large rostral scale that covers the upper anterior lip. The larger snake has crushed the smaller one's head in its jaws. The lower jaw is drawn back, pulling the head of the smaller snake into its mouth. Using its recurved teeth--that permit grasped prey to move inward but not out of its mouth--the larger snake eventually swallowed the smaller one. Despite its aggressive nature toward other snakes (even of its own kind, no less) this species, according to Werler & Dixon (2000), is essentially harmless to man. When threatened, it rarely strikes, but is an excitable snake that, when handled, will perform acrobatics to free itself. Biting, under such conditions, may also take place, but its overall size (a record length of 47 inches, averaging 26-40 inches) along with its diminutive teeth, attest to its puny ability to inflict serious injury upon an adult human antagonist. The snake is found throughout south and central Texas, and north to the Crosstimbers areal. Beyond Texas its range extends to southern New Mexico and Arizona, and, for all three states, their bordering areas of Mexico. It prefers rocky, ledge-covered hillsides, and preys on lizards, small snakes, reptile eggs, and small mammals. NEXT PAGE.

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