COPARC
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
  • Steering Committee 2023
  • Events
    • Meetings >
      • 2023 Annual Meeting
    • Photo contest
    • Field Trips >
      • 2021 Field Trips >
        • 2021 Southeastern Colorado Bash
      • Field Trips 2015
      • Field Trips 2014
      • Field Trips 2013
      • Field Trips 2012
  • Species
    • Glossary for Species Accounts
    • Amphibians
    • Turtles
    • Snakes
    • Lizards
  • News
  • Contact Us

Long-Nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei
NON-VENOMOUS
Picture
Photo: Hayden Lewis
Picture
Map accurate as of 11/15/2022

Identification: 
  • Snout to tail length rarely exceeds 29.5 inches (75 cm)
  • Hatchlings average 7.5-9.5 inches (19-24 cm)
  • Orange and black saddles run the length of the body (may be faint in juveniles)
  • Long snout with slightly raised rostral scale
  • White belly with occasional dark spots
(Hammerson 1999)
​
Distribution: This snake occurs in southeastern Colorado at elevations below 5,00 feet (1,525 m).
(Hammerson 1999)
​
Activity: Activity occurs from mid-May through early-September, although weather conditions may allow for a longer season. Long-nosed snakes are primarily nocturnal, though in a few instances they have been found during the day. This snake can be found active at temperatures as low as 59°F (15°C) and at high winds. (Hammerson 1999)

Conservation Status: Designated as a non-game species in Colorado. Although records of long-nosed snakes are not common, this snake is likely more widespread than it would appear. In Colorado, the population is considered to be small, but secure (Hammerson, 1999).

NatureServe rank: G5 (Globally Secure), S1 (State Critically Imperiled).
Habitat: ​The long-nosed snake inhabits plains grassland, sandhills, and weedy areas in river valleys. Can also be found sheltering under rocks or other cover. (Hammerson 1999)
Diet: The long-nosed snake tends to eat lizards and their eggs, rodents, small snakes, and occasionally insects. This snake kills its large prey items by constriction before consuming them. ​(Hammerson 1999)
Defense: When alarmed, this snake may vibrate its tail in defense. Like other snakes, the long-nosed snake is known to hide its head, spray cloacal sac secretions, and writhe about. It has been observed that juveniles tend to exhibit more defensive behavior than the generally passive adults. (Hammerson 1999)
Natural Predators: Coming Soon!

Cited & Additional Resources
Hammerson G. A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. University Press Colorado, Boulder.
​

Account compiled by: Hayden Lewis
Reviewed by: 
Last Updated: 1/24/2023 by Anthony Berardi
Picture
Visit our parent organization, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), for more information on national conservation efforts and other  regional groups. This website and any products posted herein are  officially recognized by the national entity, Partners in Amphibian and  Reptile Conservation (PARC), as the efforts of an approved PARC chapter.


  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
  • Steering Committee 2023
  • Events
    • Meetings >
      • 2023 Annual Meeting
    • Photo contest
    • Field Trips >
      • 2021 Field Trips >
        • 2021 Southeastern Colorado Bash
      • Field Trips 2015
      • Field Trips 2014
      • Field Trips 2013
      • Field Trips 2012
  • Species
    • Glossary for Species Accounts
    • Amphibians
    • Turtles
    • Snakes
    • Lizards
  • News
  • Contact Us