Painted Desert Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans philipi
Non-venomous – Harmless
Description: Tan, gray, or cream base color with darker brown or orangish-brown blotches along the dorsal. This subspecies can also have shades of orange that match the orange soil within much of their habitat. This snake has a white, patternless ventral, round pupils and smooth, shiny scales.
Size: A medium-sized snake that averages 3 to 4 feet in length.
Range and Habitat: This subspecies occurs in Southern Kane and San Juan Counties on the Colorado Plateau. It inhabits open desertscrub habitat 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 Mesa Verde Desert Nightsnake, although similar in color and pattern, is much smaller and has vertical pupils.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah 