This tiny whipsnake (Chironius sp.) we saw in Peru is basically a long life support system for eyes. It’s likely less cute to the many lizards and frogs in the region.
Category: Colubridae
Checkered Gartersnake
Checkered Gartersnakes are one of several species of garters found in Arizona. These are often associated with agriculture and canals, and is one of the few snakes that thrive in the fields and irrigation channels in the southern Phoenix-metro valley. This one was found in the southeastern corner of the state, crossing a roadway between two fields on a hot night.
Sonoran Lyresnake in Arizona
A Sonoran Lyresnake we found late at night as it was leaving a rocky hillside, heading out towards open flat desert.
Banded Calico Snake
One of the colorful Banded Calico Snakes found near camp in Peru a few years back.
Black-necked Gartersnake in Greenlee County, Arizona
A Black-necked Gartersnake we found while hiking a high-elevation stream in Greenlee County, Arizona. This one had lost its pattern entirely, becoming solid grey animal with stripes and its characteristic black patches behind the head.
Regal Ringnecked Snake
A Regal Ringnecked Snake we found in central Arizona many years ago. These are venomous, but harmless, eating a wide variety of prey from invertebrates to other snakes. The red color under the tail, which is shown here in defensive display, is just a hint at the bright colors that run the length of the belly.
Blunt-headed Tree Snake from Guatemala
A Blunt-headed Tree Snake from Guatemala a few years back. These are extremely thin snakes that can be very difficult to photograph, as they just never stop moving. This one took awhile, but eventually let me get this subpar shot.
Greater Green Snake
A Greater Green Snake (Ptyas major) we saw in Hong Kong several years ago.
Banded Sandsnake
A Banded Sandsnake from my own backyard. These are tiny, even as adults. This one is a bit shorter than a pencil, and likely won’t get any bigger. They eat invertebrates, don’t bite, and are completely harmless to people and pets. They’re also very often mistaken for Western Groundsnakes, which look superficially similar.
Longnosed Snake in the Daytime
A Longnosed Snake cruising around in the low light at the end of the day. These snakes are most often nocturnal, but may be found in the early morning or late afternoon, especially in the Spring. Against the chaotic, rocky backdrop of desert pavement between sandy plains, its shape breaks up, and spotting it can be difficult.
These snakes are commonly found in backyards, even a decent distance into the city, where they are usually misidentified as kingsnakes.
