Tag: misidentification

Blacktailed Rattlesnake with Faint Grey Bands

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

This Blacktailed Rattlesnake is typical of those you’ll see in the Phoenix area. They’re often a yellow/gold or greenish color, with quite a bit of variation in how much pattern is visible. The black tail may also show some faint grey bands, leading to some confusion as people look for a completely black tail to identify them. They are typically misidentified as a Mojave rattlesnake, due to the color and faint tail bands. This one was found on a night hike in a remote canyon, where it was one of several rattlesnakes active that particular evening.

A Colorful Longnosed Snake

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

I found this Longnosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) near Phoenix many years ago. Interestingly, this species is most often mistaken for a kingsnake by locals, even (especially!) by those who identify strongly as “born and raised here.” It’s likely the case that the majority of “kingsnakes” seen by the typical Arizona resident are actually Longnosed Snakes. This one has a particularly high amount of the red-orange color that can help differentiate it from similar looking species, making it a bit easier.

Here’s a video we made that helps learn to identify them compared to kingsnakes: https://youtu.be/ysE-MLzu_9Y?si=9CPYtboddxjz50Rg

Arizona Glossysnake

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

We found this young glossysnake in Gila County on a warm evening. Often, Sonoran Gophersnakes are misidentified as this species. One notable trait to differentiate if up close is in its name. Sonoran Gophersnakes have a ridge (keel) in each scale that gives them a rough texture and appearance, and the Glossysnakes have no such keel, and look smooth and shiny in comparison.

They’re not uncommon, but most people who spend time outdoors are still unlikely to ever see one. Of the snake species we are called to capture at homes, too, this is among the least likely to be there. On that list, it falls behind non-native animals like the Ball Python and Green Iguana in total instances over the years.

Big Tiger Rattlesnake

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

A large adult Tiger Rattlesnake from southeastern Arizona. These secretive snakes are common where they are found, but even people who live next to them for a lifetime may never see one. Interestingly, speckled rattlesnakes are often misidentified as tigers … I think it may be as simple as that “tiger rattlesnake” sounds cooler than “speckled”. But, you if you see here, you can see one of the things that make a tiger a tiger: a tiny head, that looks about half as big as it should be for a snake with this body.