Common Name:

 Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Scientific Name:
Heterodon platirhinos
Etymology:
Genus:

Heterodon is derived from the Greek words heteros meaning "different" and odon meaning "tooth".
 Species:
platirhinos is derived from the Greek words platys meaning "broad or flat" and rhinos meaning "snout".
Vernacular Names:
Adder, bastard rattlesnake, black adder, black blowing viper, black hog-nosed snake, black viper snake, blauser, blower, blowing adder, blowing snake, blowing viper, buckwheat-nose snake, calico snake, checkered adder, chuck head, common spreading adder, deaf adder, flat-head, flat-headed adder, hissing snake, hissing viper, mountain moccasin, poison viper, puff adder, red snake, rock adder, sand adder, sand viper, spotted viper, spread-head moccasin, spread-head snake, spread-head viper.
Average Length:
20 - 33 in. (51 - 84 cm)
Virginia Record Length: 
44.5 in. (113 cm)
Record length:
45.5 in. (115.6 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.

Short movie of an eastern

hognose snake displaying

 defensive behavior
    Campbell Co.

Melanistic Adult

Campbell Co.