Constricting Snakes in Arizona

Identification

• Each species of constrictor in Arizona has a very different appearance the others, even if their colorations are similar. The kingsnake, for instance, grows to be an average of 3¼ feet long and is dark brown or black with yellow, white or cream patterns running around the width of its body. In stark contrast to these earthy tones, the green rat snake, which grows 2 to 4 feet long, is bright green or gray-green with a whitish belly. The desert glossy snake gets its name from its smooth and glossy scales, which are a faded cream color. The desert rosy boa has a simple pattern of white and orange-brown stripes running the length of its body.

Habitat

• Constricting snakes are found throughout Arizona, though individual species exist only in certain areas. The desert glossy snake, for instance, lives in the northwest parts of Arizona, preferring sandy desert, scrub and rocky areas. The desert rosy boa, from southwest Arizona, has a similar habitat and is often found near streams. The kingsnake is found throughout the Sonoran Desert, as well as other parts of Arizona, enjoying woodlands and forested areas in addition to deserts. In contrast, the green rat snake prefers woody areas near water and spends much of its time in trees.

Behavior

• The kingsnake is active from early morning through late afternoon most of the year, though during the hottest parts of the summer it becomes a nocturnal creature. When antagonized, it will rattle its tail, hiss, release a foul odor and hide its head in the coils of its body. The desert rosy boa practices this same protective technique. The green tree snake, a diurnal reptile, simply hides motionless in trees to avoid predators. The desert glossy snake, fully nocturnal, buries itself underground during the daytime.

Diet

• While constrictor snakes have basically the same hunting techniques, their diet ranges depending on a species' size and personal tastes. The desert rosy boa, for instance, dines on small mammals and birds, typically. The green rat snake eats the same but adds bats and lizards to its diet. Kingsnakes have a large list of common prey, including lizards, birds, mammals, frogs, bird eggs and even other snakes. In fact, they dine on rattlesnakes because of a high tolerance to the other species' venom. Desert glossy snakes also eat other snakes, though not rattlesnakes.