Madagascar giant hognose snake

Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake

Leioheterodon madagascariensis

CLASS Reptilia | ORDER Squamata | FAMILY Colubridae

RANGE Madagascar and the Comoro Islands

HABITAT Sandy soils of the mixed grasslands, and dry and tropical forests of the island

DIET Mammals, lizards, amphibians, and eggs

Length
Up to 6 ft

IUCN Status
Least Concern
Madagascar giant hognose snake

The Madagascar giant hognose snake is the largest type of hognose snake (those with the upturned snouts). They have large eyes with protruding scales above them that act as protection from blowing dust.

These snakes are terrestrial (ground-dwellers) and diurnal (active during the day). They use their hog-like noses to dig in sandy soil using a sweeping, side-to-side motion.