Glossy Snake

Other Names: Kansas Glossy Snake, Glossy Snake
Scientific Name: Arizona elegans
Family: Colubridae

Description & Size

• Legless
• No eyelids
• Lacks external ears
• Scales on the back are smooth
• Single anal scale
• Pupils slightly elliptical
• Relatively small head
• Scales may appear shiny
• Total length: 63.5-178.0 cm (25.0-70.1 in)
• Back color: white, light gray, or tan
• Belly color: lightly colored

Life History

• Nocturnal
• Active season: April – September (Aldridge, 1979)
• Breeding season: spring
• Lays eggs
• 3-23 eggs per female

Habitat

• Mixed to short-grass prairies
• Sand sage prairies
• Sandy soils
• Arid climate
• Sparse vegetation

Diet

• Lizards
• Small mammals