Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Herpetology Program Herp Home
Herps of SC/GA  Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Photos by J.D. Willson unless otherwise noted  species photo
range map: SC and GArange map: eastern US  Description:
Sometimes called "puff adders," eastern hognose snakes are
thick-bodied snakes that reach about 46 in (115 cm) long. These
snakes are easily distinguished by their upturned snouts, but
they are variable in color. The eastern hognose has a background
color that can be yellow, gray, brown, green or black, often
patterned with large, rectangular spots down the middle of the
back that may resemble eyespots. The scales of this snake are
keeled and the underside of the tail is usually lighter than the
rest of the venter. The females of this species have a tail that
has a fine taper to the end of the tail, while the males have a
slight bulge near the cloaca and the tail then tapers off
drastically. When confronted, the hognose snake will suck in
air; spread the skin around its