Which sex of the Western Hognose Snake generally attains greater overall size and weight?
Answer
Females
In the species *Heterodon nasicus*, there is a discernible size difference between the sexes, a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism. Specifically, the adult females of the species tend to grow larger and possess greater body mass compared to their male counterparts. While this pattern of larger females is observed in numerous snake families, the precise biological drivers for this difference in the Western Hognose—whether related to reproductive energetic demands or other evolutionary pressures—are not always fully conclusive across all scientific observations.
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