Daily Archives: September 2, 2014

Longnose Snakes

Longnose snake; photo by Michael Cravens

Longnose snake; photo by Michael Cravens

Longnose snake.   Photo by Michael Cravens

Longnose Snakes 
(Rhinocheilus lecontei) are nonvenomous, nocturnal snakes found primarily in southwest Kansas although they also occur in the southwestern states.They have a slightly upturned snout that allows them to burrow into loose sandy soil where it resides during the day. It has black and red banding on a creamy yellow background. The black bands have a creamy colored speckling. This tricolor appearance resembles the venomous coral snake. However, the bands of the longnose snake do not completely encircle the body; and, their nose is slightly upturned. It becomes active nocturnally and eats lizards and their eggs, small snakes and rodents.