Southern hognose snake

Description

Heterodon simus,commonly known as the southern hog-nosed snake,is a harmless snake species endemic to the southeastern United States.No subspecies are currently recognized.Adults are 35.5–61 cm (14-24 inches) in total length.Stout with a wide neck and a sharply upturned snout,they usually have 25 rows of keeled dorsal scales at midbody.The dorsal color pattern consists of a light brown,yellowish,grayish,or reddish ground color,overlaid with a distinct row of dark blotches that alternate with smaller blotches on the flanks.The belly is distinctly darker in color than the underside of the tail in juveniles.As the snake ages,the underside usually becomes a pale white.