Western Ground Snake
A small, nocturnal snake found in dry areas in and around shortgrass prairie.
About This Species
A member of the colubrid family of snakes - the largest group of snakes in the world - the Western Ground Snake is widely distributed and non-venomous. They vary greatly in appearance, which is highly dependent on their region. Another name is the miter snake, after the Bishop's miter shape on its head.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Upper side with smooth (unkeeled) scales in 15 rows; coloration light brown, gray, or orange, usually with dark crossbands; anal scale divided; maximum total length about 48 cm (19 inches), rarely more than 35 cm (14 inches).
Range
Southeastern Colorado south of the Arkansas River, at elevations below 5,500 feet. Secretive, usually difficult to find.
Habitat
Fractured shale outcroppings with numerous platelike rocks, hillsides with many scattered flat rocks partially imbedded in the soil, canyon bottoms, and sand blows, all in areas dominated by shortgrass prairie. Usually found, sometimes in groups, under rocks and other objects on the ground during daylight hours; also uses abandoned mammal burrows.
Diet
The diet consists of spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, grasshoppers, and other insects.
Reproduction
Females produce a clutch of eggs between mid-June and mid-July. Hatchlings appear in late August or September.