What is the primary staple food for the Western Hognose Snake in its native North American habitats?
Answer
Amphibians, especially toads
The natural diet of the Western Hognose Snake, *Heterodon nasicus*, in the wild, particularly across the plains and prairies of North America, demonstrates a pronounced specialization toward amphibians. Among these, toads constitute the main staple prey item. This preference is biologically significant because Hognose snakes have evolved a natural resistance to the toxins found in many toad species, enabling them to consume prey that would be lethal to many other types of snakes. Although frogs or small lizards might occasionally be consumed, the core focus of their wild diet centers overwhelmingly on toads.
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