Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Ficimia Rank Genus | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Colubridae Higher classification Colubridae | |
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Similar Snake, Gyalopion, Ficimia streckeri, Ficimia publia, Colubridae | ||
Ficimia is a genus of colubrid snakes commonly known as hooknose snakes or hook-nosed snakes, which are endemic to North America. There are seven species within the genus.
Contents
Geographic range
Species of Ficimia are found in Mexico, in the United States in the southern tip of Texas, and as far south as Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.
Description
Hooknose snakes are typically gray or olive green in color, with brown or black blotching down the back, and a cream-colored underside. They grow to a total length of 5–11 in (13–28 cm) and have a distinct upturned snout, which is similar to that of hognose snakes (genus Heterodon), and is used to aid in burrowing in loose, sandy soil. The dorsal scales are smooth (keeled in Heterodon), and the anal plate is divided.
Diet
Hook-nosed snakes feed primarily on spiders and centipedes.
Species
The following seven species are recognized.