How is the head structure of the Western Hognose Snake described specifically in relation to the neck width?
Answer
Noticeably wider than the neck
The structure of the head offers a more consistent physical identifier for the Western Hognose Snake compared to its variable coloration. The head is typically characterized as broad and distinct. Crucially, this broadness means that the head is noticeably wider than the neck immediately behind it. This specific shape contributes significantly to the dramatic presentation the snake adopts during its famous defensive displays, which include flattening the area around the head into a cobra-like hood shape. This broad head profile, combined with the upturned rostral scale, forms a key diagnostic set of features.
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