Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos

Common Name:	Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Scientific Name:	Heterodon platirhinos
Etymology:
Genus:	Heterodon is derived from the Greek words heteros meaning "different" and odon meaning "tooth".
Species:	platirhinos is derived from the Greek words platys meaning "broad or flat" and rhinos meaning "snout".
Vernacular Names:	Adder, bastard rattlesnake, black adder, black blowing viper, black hog-nosed snake, black viper snake, blauser, blower, blowing adder, blowing snake, blowing viper, buckwheat-nose snake, calico snake, checkered adder, chuck head, common spreading adder, deaf adder, flat-head, flat-headed adder, hissing snake, hissing viper, mountain moccasin, poison viper, puff adder, red snake, rock adder, sand adder, sand viper, spotted viper, spread-head moccasin, spread-head snake, spread-head viper.
Average Length:	20 - 33 in. (51 - 84 cm)
Virginia Record Length:	44.5 in. (113 cm)
Record length:	45.5 in. (115.6 cm)

 

Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating Tier IV - Moderate Conservation Need - The species may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery. Populations of these species have demonstrated a significant declining trend or one is suspected which, if continued, is likely to qualify this species for a higher tier in the foreseeable future. Long-term planning is necessary to stabilize or increase populations.

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.

					Short movie of an eastern hognose snake displaying  defensive behavior	Melanistic Eastern Hog-nosed Snake displaying defensive behavior
		Campbell Co.	Melanistic Adult Campbell Co.
				Eastern hog-nosed snake eating a toad Campbell Co.	Campbell Co.	Fluvanna Co.
Melanistic Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Displaying Defensive Behavior