Eastern Hognose Snake
ExploreReptiles
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
The Eastern Hognose Snake is a fun snake that loves to dig in the sand! It has a funny upturned nose that helps it burrow and find food. This snake is known for its playful behavior and can even pretend to be a cobra when it feels scared!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Eastern Hognose Snake has a distinct, shovel-like upturned snout, perfect for digging. Its stout body varies greatly in color, from brown, gray, or olive to black, often with dark blotches or a solid pattern. This unique nose makes it visually different from other local snakes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusHeterodon
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Even with their scary cobra act and playing dead, Eastern Hognose Snakes rarely bite humans!
Some people call them 'puff adders' because they hiss loudly and puff up when startled!
Their venom is harmless to humans, but it helps them stun their toad snacks!
These snakes are immune to the strong toxins found in toads, making them super special eaters!
Special abilities
Ability
Death-Defying Act
Eastern Hognose Snake can play dead, flipping over and going limp, which helps them trick predators into thinking they are unappetizing.
Ability
Cobra Impersonator
Eastern Hognose Snake can flatten its neck and hiss loudly, which helps them appear larger and scarier to intimidate threats.
Ability
Shovel-Nose Digger
Eastern Hognose Snake has an upturned, shovel-like snout that helps them dig into soft soil to find prey and burrow for shelter.
Ability
Toad Tamer
Eastern Hognose Snake has mild venom and enlarged rear fangs that helps them subdue their favorite meal: toads.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 50-120 cm
- Weight
- 0.15-0.7 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 3 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-23
- Incubation
- 40-60 days
Watch
Diet & Feeding
Mostly eat toads, but will sometimes munch on frogs and other small critters!
Primary Foods
- toads
- frogs
- salamanders
- small rodents
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
American Toad
Anaxyrus americanus
Their primary food source.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A common aerial predator.
eaten by
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Known to prey on other snakes.
eats
Fowler's Toad
Anaxyrus fowleri
Another common amphibian prey.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Also known as
Eastern HognoseHognoseHognose Snake
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a snake, it's best to watch from a distance and not touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eastern Hognose Snake?
50-120 cm
How much does Eastern Hognose Snake weigh?
0.15-0.7 kg
How long does Eastern Hognose Snake live?
10-20 years
How fast can Eastern Hognose Snake move?
3 km/h
What does Eastern Hognose Snake eat?
Mostly eat toads, but will sometimes munch on frogs and other small critters!
Where is Eastern Hognose Snake usually found?
Grasslands
How does Eastern Hognose Snake hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Eastern Hognose Snake lay?
4-23
Snap Map
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