Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As usual (and somewhat saddening) many people have a love for reptiles, but there are few who are willing and motivated to seek them out on their (the reptile's) terms. I have tried, with little luck, to network a group of individuals who are interested in the vast fauna that the California high desert has to offer. But if you cant join em'...beat them...or something like that! I was out again this weekend searching for rattlesnakes and found this guy. It's a Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) and I found this guy rather interesting. The rostral (upper lip/jaw) scales are elongated and shovel-like in appearence. They are hard to come by except at night because they burrow and tunnel and spend their daylight hours underground. At night they come out to forrage for small mammals and birds.

I plan on posting more pics of what I capture (and release)/photo. Hopefully I can find at least one interesting reptile a week! See you at the next meeting.

Michael O'Brien
M & L Reptiles
www.mnlreptiles.com
Long-Nosed Snake

Nice job finding the longnose. You'll likely eventually find some that lack red (especially younger ones). These can sometimes fool you, as you'll think you have a king from the car, then find out it's actually a longnose when you approach it. Over the years, I have found that in some areas longnose snakes are quite abundant during appropriate times of the year. Same with glossys, sidewinders, and leaf-nose snakes. I've had nights where I've seen 13 sidewinders, and another night when I saw 11 glossys and nothing else.

Anyhow, glad to see you're getting out, despite your lack of company. Keep trying, however, eventually there will be those that will be willing to join you. I'd go myself, but just had my first kid, and am just too busy at the moment. I do, get out, however for work. Last week I saw a two-striped garter snake, California newt larvae, tons of CA and Pacific treefrogs, Western toads. Who knows what the rest of this week will bring.

Anyhow, I look forward to seeing what you find in the coming weeks. See you at the meeting.

Mike