GROUNDSNAKE Sonora semiannulata

DESCRIPTION:
A small (up to 483 mm or 19" in total length) snake with extremely variable coloration and markings. Several different color/pattern morphs can be found at the same locality.

Base color can be light tan, cream, gray, blue-gray, or orange-red. Pattern morphs include plain, plain body with a black or gray head, a thin orange-red dorsal stripe, an orange back, black crossbands over an orange back, and black crossbands over a plain back. Black crossbands may or may not cross the underside. In banded specimens with a red back the black bands contact the red distinguishing this snake from the similar looking Western Shovel-nosed Snake. Each lateral scale usually has a dark spot on the anterior edge distinguishing this snake from the Variable Sandsnake. The underside is plain cream distinguishing this snake from our black-headed snakes which have orange-red coloration on the belly. The scales are smooth and shiny and the pupils are round.

DISTRIBUTION:
This snake is distributed across western and most of southern Arizona at elevations ranging from near sea level along the Colorado River to about 5,000'.

HABITAT:
It is found in a wide variety of communities including Arizona's desertscrubs, Semidesert Grassland, Interior Chaparral, Plains and Great Basin Grassland, and the lower reaches of the woodlands. It occupies steep rocky canyons and slopes, gentle bajadas, foothills, and low valleys. This harmless snake is commonly encountered in yards in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

BEHAVIOR:
This ground dweller can be active at any time of the day or night in mild conditions. Desert populations are primarily nocturnal during the hot summer months. It is usually dormant during the cold months (roughly late November into February).

DIET:
The Groundsnake eats a variety of insects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and lizards.

REPRODUCTION:
Males combat each other for access to females during mating season. Mating takes place in spring and a clutch of up to six eggs is laid in late spring or early summer.