Variable groundsnake
Sonora semiannulata semiannulata
Sonora semiannulata semiannulata
HARMLESS
Description:
As the common name suggests, the groundsnake's pattern is extremely variable. It may look like one of the following:
* Plain brown to orange-brown with no pattern
* Plain brown to orange-brown with a reddish-orange stripe running down the center of its back
* Plain brown to orange-brown with either a single neck band or with dark bands evenly spread down the length of its body
The scales are smooth and shiny, and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 8 - 15 inches (20 - 38 cm)
Prey:
Centipedes, scorpions, spiders, and small insects
Reproduction:
Mates in spring or fall. Lays up to 6 eggs in June to August depending on location. Eggs hatch in 7 - 10 weeks and babies are about 4 - 5 inches (10 - 13 cm) long.
Habitat:
Open areas with loose sandy soil, and rocky wooded or prairie hillsides
Other Information:
This snake is a very secretive burrower and is occasionally found under rocks and logs.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
As the common name suggests, the groundsnake's pattern is extremely variable. It may look like one of the following:
* Plain brown to orange-brown with no pattern
* Plain brown to orange-brown with a reddish-orange stripe running down the center of its back
* Plain brown to orange-brown with either a single neck band or with dark bands evenly spread down the length of its body
The scales are smooth and shiny, and the anal plate is divided.
Size:
Adults 8 - 15 inches (20 - 38 cm)
Prey:
Centipedes, scorpions, spiders, and small insects
Reproduction:
Mates in spring or fall. Lays up to 6 eggs in June to August depending on location. Eggs hatch in 7 - 10 weeks and babies are about 4 - 5 inches (10 - 13 cm) long.
Habitat:
Open areas with loose sandy soil, and rocky wooded or prairie hillsides
Other Information:
This snake is a very secretive burrower and is occasionally found under rocks and logs.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
