Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if someone could please show me the difference between a Mexican and Western hognose?

I am in love with hogs, and would love to start breeding them, but in my state, it is legal to own native snakes, but not to sell them, and Westerns are considered native.

I dont like Easterns. I have seen some pictures of really nice looking Mexicans.

I am currently looking to buy a pair, and am worried that I will be sold Westerns because I dont know the difference.

Also, where is a good place to buy a pair?

THANKS!

Sarah
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FireDrake Exotics
www.FireAndLilac.com

I have found the surest way to tell Westerns from Mexicans is by counting the small scales behind the rostral (the scales that give the upturned "nose" known as azygous scales - Mexicans should have less than 6.

The pattern is different too, my Mexican has deeper spots down his sides than the western and is a more grey colour, but this will vary from hog to hog.

Husbandry is also very similar to the western. Best of luck finding some mexicans!