While driving in the Arizona desert at night, I spotted a silvery reflection in the road up ahead. I knew it must be a snake, so I hit the brakes, got out of the car, and went over to investigate.
The Spotted Leafnose Snake lives in areas with mixed sandy soil and rocky or firm soil with some brush cover. It is a small serpent, growing to about 18 inches. It is secretive and nocturnal. This snake preys extensively on small lizards and their eggs, especially geckos.
The genus name Phyllorhynchus is composed of two Greek words; phyllos, meaning “leaf”, and rhynchos, meaning “nose” or “snout.”
The enlarged nose scale is believed to aid in burrowing, though this little snake, because of its super-secretive nature, is still shrouded in mystery.
After taking a few photographs, I carried the snake to the other side of the road and released it into the night.