HOGNOSE SNAKE

(genus Heterodon), any of three or four species belonging to the family Colubridae. They are named for the upturned snout, which is used for digging. These are the harmless but often avoided puff adders, or blow snakes, of North America: when threatened they flatten the head and neck, then strike with a loud hissrarely biting. If their bluff fails, they roll over, writhing, and then feign death with mouth open and tongue lolling. Hognose snakes live chiefly on toads and frogs. They lay 15 to 27 eggs underground. The widely distributed species are the eastern (Heterodon platyrhinos) and western (H. nasicus). Both are heavy-bodied and blotchy; their usual length is about 60 cm (24 inches).