Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake
Leioheterodon madagascariensis
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Colubridae
Madagascar Giant Hognose Snake
Range
Madagascar and the Comoro Islands
Size
Up to 6 ft long
Habitat
Sandy soils of the mixed grasslands, and dry and tropical forests of the island
Diet
Mammals, lizards, amphibians, and eggs
IUCN Status
Least Concern
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.