Desert Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans eburnata
Non-venomous – Harmless
Description: Tan, gray, or cream base color with darker brown or orangish-brown blotches along the dorsal. This snake has a white, patternless ventral, round pupils and smooth, shiny scales. Juveniles typically have a bolder pattern that fades as they age.
Size: A medium-sized snake that averages 3 to 4 feet in length.
Range and Habitat: This subspecies occurs in Southern Washington County where it inhabits creosote bush-dominated basins and Mojave desertscrub with loose, sandy soils. It is typically found below 5,000 feet in elevation.
Similar Species: The Great Basin Gopher Snake has keeled dorsal scales and a darker, bolder pattern.
The Northern Desert Nightsnake, although similar in color and pattern, is much smaller and has vertical pupils.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah 