Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis ssp. klauberi)
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Colubridae
Listing Status:
General Information
The Tucson shovel-nosed snake is a small snake (250-425 millimeters (mm) (9.84-16.73 inches (in) total length) in the family Colubridae, with a shovel-shaped snout, an inset lower jaw, and coloring that mimics coral snakes (Mahrdt et al. 2001, p. 731.1). The most notable features of the Tucson shovel-nosed snake distinguishing it from the other subspecies are (a) the red crossbands suffused with dark pigment, making them appear brown or partly black, and (b) both black and red crossbands not encircling the body (Center for Biological Diversity 2004, p. 2).
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This map represents our best available information about where a species is currently known to or or is believed to occur; however, it should NOT be used as an official species list for Section 7 Consultation purposes. To obtain an official species list for this purpose, please visit the Information, Planning, and Conservation (IPaC) System (click here: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac)
- States/US Territories in which the Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake is known to or is believed to occur: Arizona
- US Counties in which the Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake is known to or is believed to occur: View All
| Status | Date Listed | Lead Region | Where Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Region (Region 2) |
» Candidate Information
Current Candidate Status
| Date | Citation Page | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 11/21/2012 | 77 FR 69993 70060 | Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions |
| 10/26/2011 | 76 FR 66370 66439 | Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions |
| 11/10/2010 | 75 FR 69222 69294 | Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule |
» Conservation Plans
No conservation plans have been created for Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake
» Petitions
| Date | Citation Page | Title | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/21/2012 | 77 FR 69993 70060 | Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions | |
| 10/26/2011 | 76 FR 66370 66439 | Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions | |
| 03/31/2010 | 75 FR 16050 16065 | 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis klauberi) as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat | |
| 07/29/2008 | 73 FR 43905 43910 | 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis klauberi) as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat |
» Life History
Food Habits
The diet of shovel-nosed snakes consists of a variety of invertebrates, including scorpions, beetle larvae, spiders, crickets, centipedes, native roaches, and ants, (Mattison 1989, p. 25; Rosen et al. 1996, pp. 22-23; Brennan and Holycross 2006, p. 98). Glass (1972, p. 447) and Rosen et al. (1996, p. 22) suggest that shovel-nosed snakes eat relatively frequently. The authors (pp. 22-23) further support this observation by noting that individual shovel-nosed snakes in captivity each consumed five to eight crickets per week and showed significant weight loss after a 2- to 3-week lapse in feeding.
» Other Resources
NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.
ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.
