Description

• Salvadora mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican patch-nosed snake, is a slender, non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. It has a distinctive enlarged, shovel-like scale at the tip of its snout, which it uses to investigate loose soil and crevices. Its body is typically greyish, olive or brown, often with longitudinal stripes or darker markings. It is a fast-moving, primarily diurnal snake that relies on speed and concealment to avoid predators and capture prey.

Range

• Salvadora mexicana occurs in Mexico, including parts of the Pacific coastal region. It is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, within its range in southwestern Mexico.

Habitat

• This species inhabits dry forest, thorn scrub, open woodland, grassland and rocky terrain. It is often found in relatively open, sunny areas with loose soil, rocks or leaf litter that provide shelter. It is primarily terrestrial and may use its specialised snout to probe beneath debris and into small crevices.

Diet

• Salvadora mexicana feeds mainly on small vertebrates, particularly lizards and their eggs. It may also consume other small animals when available. Its speed and ability to search beneath rocks and vegetation help it locate prey.