More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Snakes of Zihuatanejo
SUBORDER SERPENTES
Mexican Patchnose
-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)
-Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)
-Colubrid Snakes (Family Colubridae)
-Colubrine Snakes (Subfamily Colubrinae)
-Patch-nosed Snakes (Genus Salvadora)
-Mexican Patchnose Snake (Salvadora mexicana)
The Mexican Patchnose Snake is found in Southwest Mexico. It prefers dry, rocky habitats with plenty of hiding spots. This small, slender species feeds on a variety of insects, lizards, and amphibians. It is easily distinguished by its unique, dark patches along the sides of its nose. Its overall coloration is a light to dark brown with a white or yellowish underside.
Salvadora mexicana
Diet
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on lizards, especially whiptails, anoles, geckos, and skinks.
Also consumes small snakes, rodents, bird eggs, nestling birds, and occasionally large insects.
An active daytime hunter that relies on excellent eyesight and speed to pursue prey rather than ambushing it.
Range
Native to Mexico and northern Central America.
In Mexico, it occurs along much of the Pacific slope, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, as well as parts of southern inland Mexico.
Common in suitable habitats throughout the Zihuatanejo region.
Found from sea level to about 2,000 m (6,560 ft).
Habitat
Inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, open woodland, rocky hillsides, grasslands, coastal scrub, and secondary forests.
Frequently encountered in sunny, open habitats with scattered shrubs, fallen logs, and rock piles.
Active during the day and often seen moving rapidly across roads, trails, and forest clearings.
Size
Total length: 70–120 cm (28–47 in)
Average adult length: 80–100 cm (31–39 in)
Weight: 100–300 g