10/15/2005
Pajaritos Mountains, Southern Arizona
This trip was towards the end of the active season for reptiles. After October the rains let up and the temperatures drop sending most species into hibernation or at least a winter period of lower activity levels.
Pajarito Mountains
This species of colorful grasshopper was present in quite large numbers on this trip
General habitat type common throughout the mountain range
One of the reasons this range is so popular, the Green Ratsnake (Senticolis triaspis) is common through
Latin America but only enters the United States in a few of the mountain ranges that cross the Mexican border.
This is a younger specimen. When older the snake's pattern fades and color changes to solid darker green.
Baby Sonoran Desert Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer affinis) crossing the road
Another reason the Pajaritos are popular, the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana)
is a beautiful snake but does not always appreciate being picked up off the road.
Doesn't really do a lot of damage though
Sunset over the mountains
