Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis)

Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis)



General Distribution
The western shovel-nosed snake is widely distributed throughout the Mojave and Colorado deserts below 1400 m (4700 ft). It is found most commonly in sandy barren habitats in desert flats and washes. It can also be found in areas of scrub and less commonly in rocky areas, slopes and canyons. It is found in greatest abundance in barren and scrub habitats with fine, wind-blown sand about the bases of bushes and tufts of grass (Stebbins 1954).
Habitat Requirements
The western shovel-nosed snake burrows in fine sand. It also utilizes the burrows of other animals. It probably requires the presence of fine sand or wind-blown sand. This snake has also been found under surface cover objects. They are often found under bushes or clumps of grass. Snakes often lie just under the surface of the sand where they can be heated by the warmth of the sun without exposing themselves (Stebbins 1954). The western shovel-nosed snake prefers fine sand, but can exist in a variety of habitats, particularly where pockets of sand are available.
Reproduction
The western shovel-nosed snake lays eggs underground. Breeds in spring. Seven females contained an average 3.1 eggs, range 2-4 (Cowles 1941).
Daily/Seasonal Activity
This snake is nocturnal. It has been observed on the surface during the day only a few times, usually coiled under a bush. Much of its activity is probably subterranean. It is active most of the year in the south and during the warmer months in the north (Cowles 1941, Stebbins 1954).
Diet and Foraging
This small snake eats insects and other arthropods including spiders, scorpions, and moth larvae. In captivity, feeds on Tenebrio larvae and presumably does the same in the wild (Stebbins 1954). Burrows or swims through sand in search of prey.
Territoriality/Home Range
No data. Defended territories in snakes are rare but nothing is known about this species.
Predator-Prey Relations
This snake is probably eaten by most desert predators, possibly even arthropod predators such as large scorpions, though no reports of predation are known. Nothing is known about parasites, diseases or competitors. This is a secretive, diminutive snake about which very little is known.
Literature Cited
Cowles, R. B. 1941. Observations on the winter activities of desert reptiles. Ecology 22:125-140.
Stebbins, R. C. 1954. Amphibians and reptiles of western North America. McGraw-Hill, New York. 536pp.
Stebbins, R. C. 1972. California amphibians and reptiles. Univ. California Press, Berkeley. 152pp.

 
Information gathered from California DFG - California Interagency Wildlife Task Group