Night
Snake
Hypsiglena torquata
Body length: 12 - 26 "
Diet: Lizards, small snakes, and amphibians
True to their name, night snakes are largely night-active, or nocturnal. Like
cats, rattlesnakes, and many other nocturnal
creatures, the pupils of their eyes are elliptical, rather than round. It is thought
that this feature gives night-dwelling animals the ability to allow light to enter
more selectively into their sensitive eyes. They probably occur throughout Tonto
National Monument.
Prey items of night snakes include blind snakes,
lizards, and probably ground snakes and black-headed
snakes. They are mildly venomous, with enlarged rear fangs, but are not harmful
to humans.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005