A medium-sized (up to 1,055 mm or 42" in total length) snake with numerous dark-edged, tan, golden brown, or olive-gray blotches on a tan, light cream, pinkish, or gray background. Specimens from far western Arizona often have faded or washed-out looking pattern. The belly is plain pale gray. The pupils are round. This snake's smooth and shiny scales distinguishing it from the similar looking Gophersnake which has keeled dorsal scales.
Ten Facts about Glossy Snake
- Up to 1,055 mm or 42" in total length.
- In Arizona this snake is found across the northeastern plateaus, the southwestern and western deserts, and the southeastern valleys.
- It is usually found in relatively flat, open, shrubby areas with sandy or loamy soil.
- This nocturnal ground-dweller is good burrower that spends the majority of its time underground.
- It hibernates in an underground burrow during the cold months of winter and late fall.
- When threatened or harassed it often vibrates its tail. It rarely bites when captured.
- The Glossy Snake is a constrictor that feeds on small mammals, lizards, snakes, and birds.
- Mating takes place in spring and a clutch of up to 23 eggs is laid in summer.
- Glossy snakes may be taken by mammals, owls, and other snakes.
- Clutches average from 10 to 20 young that are approximately 25 cm long.
