Hobbies And Interests
Identification
Ground snakes can grow up to 19 inches but are commonly around 8 to 9 inches in total length. The scales appear glossy and are smooth to the touch. The head is larger than the neck but not to the degree seen in vipers. Their coloration and pattern are highly variable. Cross bands, stripes, saddles and even single neckbands can be found in one area on the same species. Coloration varies across the species, but typically includes red, gray, olive, brown, white, yellow or green. Some ground snakes are one uniform color with no patterns at all. All variations have dark blotches on their back scales, though these can be hard to see. The pupils are rounded in all variations as well. Ground snakes are often confused with other Arizona snakes, including Western shovel-nosed snakes, sand-snakes and black-headed snakes.
Habitat
Ground snakes are known for being highly adaptable. They are found in deserts, prairie hillsides and woods filled with rock cover. Because they are burrowing snakes, they enjoy loose soil composed of sand or dirt. They are also at home around river beds and among leaf litter in the forest. Though they are burrowing snakes, they can adapt to rocky areas. They are found in the nooks and crannies of large boulders, as well as within fine gravel.
Distribution
Ground snakes are found in the entire western half as well as the majority of the southern half of Arizona in fairly healthy numbers. These snakes are not encountered very often because of their burrowing habits, but they are found easily enough to know they are thriving. Ground snakes are also found in Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and some parts of Mexico.
Diet and Hunting
Ground snakes are thought to have venom because they have grooves along the outside of their back teeth. This indicates that a mild venom is used to secure their prey, which includes spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, scorpions and any number of insects. Because they are burrowing snakes, they will invade ant hills and insect larvae to get food. They hunt during the cool of night and use darkness for cover. Ground snakes are preyed upon by birds, snakes, bobcats, weasels, shrews and even the occasional fox.
Reproduction
During early spring in Arizona, male ground snakes become highly aggressive with other males. This behavior is actually a competition for the female ground snake's attention. Eventually, the ground snakes breed during spring and fall. The female will become impregnated and lay its eggs during the hot summer months. The eggs take about seven weeks to hatch. When the baby ground snakes emerge, they are about 4 inches in length. The majority of baby ground snakes do not survive due to predators.