western patch-nosed snake
western patch-nosed snake Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A slender, fast-moving, non-venomous colubrid snake native to the deserts, chaparral, and scrublands of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, characterized by pale stripes down its back and a prominent, enlarged scale on its snout used for burrowing.
"While exploring the arid scrubland of Arizona, the herpetologist documented a Western patch-nosed snake using its specialized snout to dig for reptile eggs."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name describes its geographical range in the western United States and Mexico, combined with its distinguishing physical feature: an enlarged, modified rostral (snout) scale that looks like a small patch, which it uses to root out prey and burrow in loose soil.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.