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Animal Profile

Desert Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans eburnata

Reptiles Desert
Desert Glossy Snake

About Desert Glossy Snake

The glossy snake is a medium sized snake that grows to lengths of 2 to 6 feet but the average size is 3-4 feet. They are named for their glossy scales and have colored patterns: usually a light cream color with green brown dorsal blotches. Coloring is similar to that of a gopher snake, but the glossy snake is much paler and has an almost faded appearance.

Habitat

Desert glossy snake is a subspecies of the Western glossy snake. These snakes prefer sandy deserts, with loose, loamy soil for easy burrowing. The snakes use their noses to make their own burrows or finds a vacant one to sleep in during the day.

Fun Fact

The desert glossy snakes have an average of 68 blotches on their backs.