What’s The Difference Between Eastern and Western Hognose Snakes?

Whether you’re looking at a hognose snake in the wild or in captivity, it’s easy to see that there are two distinct types of hognose snakes – Eastern and Western. But what exactly is the difference between these two species? Read on to find out!

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Overview

Hognose snakes are a type of colubrid snake found in North America. There are two distinct species of hognose snake, the western hognose snake, and the eastern hognose snake. Both types of hognose snakes share some similarities but also some significant differences between them.

One of the most obvious difference between eastern and western hognose snakes is their size. Western hognose snakes are typically larger than eastern hognose snakes, with adult western hognose snakes reaching lengths of up to 3 feet (0.91 m), while adult eastern hognose snakes only grow to lengths of 2 feet (0.61 m).

Western hognose snakes also have a more robust body than eastern hognose snakes, while eastern hognose snakes tend to be more slender. In terms of coloration, both types of hognose snake can be variable, but western hognose snakes typically have darker, more distinct patterning than eastern hognose snakes.

In terms of habitat, there is also a difference between these two types of snakes. Western hognose snakes are found in the western United States, while eastern hognose snakes are found in the eastern United States. However, both types of snakes can be found in Canada and Mexico.

Generally speaking, eastern and western hognose snakes are peaceful snakes that are not known to be aggressive towards humans or other animals. However, western hognose snakes are more likely to bite if they feel threatened or cornered, while eastern hognose snakes are more likely to play dead when they feel threatened or cornered.

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The Different Types of Hognose Snakes

Hognose snakes are a type of colubrid snake found in the United States, Mexico, and parts of Canada. There are two main types of hognose snakes, the Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) and the Eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos). Both types of hognose snakes are non-venomous and known for their upturned noses, which they use to dig in the sand for prey. Although they may look similar, there are some distinct differences between these two types of snakes.

The Western hognose snake is larger than the Eastern hognose snake, with adults reaching lengths of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m). They are also more sexually dimorphic, meaning that there are more noticeable physical differences between males and females. Male Western hognose snakes tend to be larger than females, while females have longer tails. These snakes can be a variety of colors, including brown, tan, pink, or even bright green or blue. They often have dark spots or bands on their backs, which can help to distinguish them from other types of snakes.

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The Eastern hognose snake is smaller than the Western hognose snake, with adults reaching lengths of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m). They are not as sexually dimorphic as their western cousins, meaning that there are not as many noticeable physical differences between males and females. Eastern hognose snakes come in a variety of colors, including brown, gray, black, or even white. They often have dark spots on their backs and sides, which can help to distinguish them from other types of snakes.

The Physical Differences Between Eastern and Western Hognose Snakes

There are a few physical differences between eastern and western hognose snakes. For one, eastern hognose snakes tend to be slightly larger, with an average length of 3-4 feet. Western hognose snakes are typically 2-3 feet long.

Another difference is in the patterning of the snakes’ skin. Eastern hognose snakes usually have darker, more distinct patterns than western hognose snakes. And finally, eastern hognose snakes have rounder, wider bellies than their western counterparts.

The Behavioral Differences Between Eastern and Western Hognose Snakes

When it comes to the behavioral differences between eastern and western hognose snakes, there are a few key things to keep in mind. For starters, eastern hognose snakes are typically more shy and reclusive than their western counterparts. They also tend to be less tolerant of handling and handling overall. Additionally, eastern hognose snakes usually have a more muted coloration than their brightly colored western counterparts. Finally, eastern hognose snakes typically live in deciduous forests, while western hognose snakes prefer arid desert habitats.

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The Diet of Eastern and Western Hognose Snakes

Though eastern and western hognose snakes prey primarily on amphibians, their diet can differ slightly based on location. Eastern hognose snakes, native to the eastern United States, will eat whatever species of amphibian is most common in their area. This might include frogs, toads, and salamanders. Western hognose snakes, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, have a more specialized diet. They primarily eat a type of toad known as the Sonoran Desert toad.

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The Habitat of Eastern and Western Hognose Snakes

The two hognose species are fossorial, meaning they spend the majority of their lives underground in burrows. In both cases, the snakes will use their noses to shovel loose dirt and sand out of the way as they move. The tip of the nose is flattened and shaped like a spade, which gives these animals their common name. 

While both species are found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, eastern hognose snakes seem to prefer drier environments with sandy soil. They are often found in open areas like fields and clearings, where they can bask in the sun. Meanwhile, western hognose snakes seem to prefer wetter environments with more vegetation. They are often found in wooded areas or near bodies of water.

The Reproduction of Eastern and Western Hognose Snakes

Eastern and Western hognose snakes are different subspecies of the Heterodon nasicus, which is a species of harmless snake found in North America. The two subspecies can be distinguished by their patterns and colors, as well as their geographical location.

While both types of hognose snakes reproduce by laying eggs, the Eastern hognose snake is oviparous, meaning that it lays its eggs in moist soil or rotting vegetation. In contrast, the Western hognose snake is ovoviviparous, meaning that it incubates its eggs inside its body and gives birth to live young.

The Eastern hognose snake is found in the eastern United States, from Michigan to Maine down to Florida and over to Texas. The Western hognose snake is found in the western United States, from Montana down to New Mexico.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several key differences between Eastern and Western hognose snakes. For one, Eastern hognose snakes are larger, with some adults reaching up to 3 feet in length. They are also typically more brightly colored, with patterns that can include bands, spots, or stripes. 

Additionally, Eastern hognose snakes have keeled scales (raised ridges running down the center of each scale), while Western hognose snakes do not. Finally, Eastern hognose snakes are found east of the Mississippi River in the United States, while Western hognose snakes are found west of the Mississippi River.

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