Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Caught this guy yesterday passing thru the yard, this doesnt look like the w/c ones I have seen. Is this a commonly seen color? Also with no pattern visible.

Thanx
Jim

About 20 years ago I found one like that. Actually had the local zoo offer me money for her. I don't know how common they are, but would love to have one again. She was my first snake and is the cause of my passion. She also hed zero pattern....looked very similar to the Mocassans around here. Do not know how much help that is , but what a beauty!!
-----
Jenea

that's the melanistic(solid black) phase of the Eastern Hognose. this also occurs in Timber Rattlers. one was given to me by a friend who found it last year. turned out to be a gravid female that laid 34 eggs! sometimes you run across ones that have a little pattrern showing through the black. here's a pic of my female from last year laying her eggs.

Thanks for both of those response's.
Would just like to add one more question...Is this a COMMON morph/phase? The reason I ask is because I found another one today just like it, only a little smaller.

Thanks Again
Jim

i guess it could be somewhat common in certain areas. where are you located? in Timber rattlesnakes and Garter snakes, it tends to occur in specimens from higher elevations because the melanin, or black pigment, helps them absorb more heat.

Thanks Greg, two out of the three that have passed thru my yard were like the one in the photo.
I live in North (Central) Florida.

Thanks Again