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Plains Hog-Nosed Snake

Heterodon nasicus
Family: 
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description: 

The plains hog-nosed snake differs from the eastern hog-nosed snake by having a sharply upturned snout and black pigment on the underside of the tail. This species has always been quite rare in the state and has not been seen for many years. The shovel-like snout is used to dig out prey items which are detected by smell. Like other hog-nosed snakes, this species is known to play dead in self defense.

Size: 
It is 16 to 25 inches (41-64 cm) long.
Habitat and conservation: 
This species is restricted to sandy, loose prairie soils.
Foods: 
Toads, snakes and lizard eggs are the primary foods, but small rodents are also eaten.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Probably extirpated from Missouri, but may still occur in the loess hill prairies in extreme northwestern counties.
Status: 
Probably extirpated from Missouri; a Species of Conservation Concern.

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