Species profile
Desert Nightsnake
Hypsiglena chlorophaea
Identify Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 1,566 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Arizona, California, and Utah the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- A small, slender snake that rarely exceeds 20 inches in total length.
- Mildly venomous with rear-positioned fangs used to immobilize lizards, salamanders, and small frogs.
- Found in arid and semi-arid habitats across the western United States and northwestern Mexico.
- Strictly nocturnal, emerging after dark when desert temperatures cool and prey becomes active.
- Its vertical, elliptical pupils help it hunt effectively in low-light conditions.
Where Desert Nightsnake are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Desert Nightsnake
Background
Hypsiglena chlorophaea, the desert night snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Desert Nightsnake article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Desert Nightsnake?
Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Desert Nightsnake?
Desert Nightsnake is Hypsiglena chlorophaea.
Is Desert Nightsnake regulated for fishing?
Yes — Desert Nightsnake has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Desert Nightsnake?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Desert Nightsnake along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.