Saddled Leaf-Nosed Snake

The Saddled Leaf-Nosed Snake is a nocturnal desert colubrid closely related to the Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake, distinguished by its larger size and bolder, saddle-like dorsal blotches. It shares the family's signature enlarged, leaf-shaped rostral scale used for digging.

This harmless species inhabits rocky desert foothills of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, and like its relative, specializes in feeding on reptile eggs excavated from soil.

• Moderate-sized, slender body with smooth scales
• Pale gray to tan background with large, dark brown saddle-shaped blotches edged in darker pigment running down the back
• Enlarged, leaf-like rostral scale projecting past the lower jaw
• Vertically elliptical pupils; relatively large eyes for a harmless colubrid
• Distinguished from the Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake by larger size and bolder, more elongated saddle blotches rather than rounded spots

Found in rocky desert foothills, bajadas, and canyons of the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, often in areas with scattered vegetation and loose soil suitable for burrowing.

Nocturnal and secretive, remaining hidden underground or under surface debris during the day. Feeds primarily on reptile eggs, which it locates and excavates using its specialized snout, as well as small lizards. Docile and rarely defensive. Reproduces by laying eggs in summer.