Colorado Herpetological Society's

Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado

Night Snake
(Hypsiglena torquata)

Family Colubridae

Photo from Hammerson, 1986.
Used with permission.

Last Updated on January 20, 2000.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)
Description: Adults 12" to 20" in length. Color gray, yellowish, or beige, with dorsal row of dark brown spots. Row of smaller spots on sides; usually a large brown blotch on each side of neck. Moderately slender body; scales smooth. Pupils vertical in bright light. Divided anal plate. Enlarged, ungroved teeth at rear of jaw; saliva toxic to lizards. Elevation Range: Below 6000' in southeastern Colorado; to 7900' in southwestern Colorado. Subspecies in Colorado: Hypsiglena torquata loreala in western Colorado; Hypsiglena torquata janii in southeastern Colorado.