About Gyalopion canum (Cope, 1860)
Gyalopion canum, commonly known as the Western hooknose snake, is a small species. Adults reach a maximum total length (including the tail) of 36.5 cm (14+3⁄8 in). Its base color is gray or grayish brown, with 25 to 48 dark brown or black blotches running along its back, and a cream-colored underside. It has a slightly upturned snout, which is the feature that gives the species its common name "hooknose". Its smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody. Gyalopion canum is distributed in the United States from western Texas to southeastern Arizona, and extends into northern and central Mexico. This species prefers slightly sandy habitats located near a permanent water source. The Western hooknose snake is oviparous; sexually mature females may lay up to 5 eggs in June.
