45 Snakes With Spots (Brown Spots, Black Spots, and More)

Some of the most common snakes have spots. These spots can be large, similar to blotches, or as small as snake scales.

The number of spots can be fixed or variable, depending on the species.

Various species of snakes with spots are venomous but most aren’t. It’s impossible to determine which snake is venomous by the color or the shape of the spots alone.

The following species are the typical snakes with spots with either a venomous or non-venomous profile which may be found in North America or around the world.

1. Common Garter Snake

Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: red, brown, yellow

A North American species, The Common Garter Snake comes in multiple spotted subspecies. While not all of its 13 subspecies are spotted, there are at least 3 types of Common Garter Snakes with spots.

The Red-spotted Garter Snake has a black nuance with numerous lateral red spots along the back. It also features a contrasting yellow mid-dorsal stripe.

Red-spotted Garter Snake

The Maritime Garter Snake has a red-brown color with dark brown spots along the sides from head to tail. Snakes of this sub-species also feature a yellow mid-dorsal stripe.

Texas Garter Snakes have a black body with yellow-gray lateral spots contrasted by an orange-brown mid-dorsal stripe.

Snakes of this family rely on the spots and their patterns for camouflage.

2. Gopher Snake

Gopher Snake

Scientific name: Pituophis catenifer.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown

Gopher Snakes are among the many types of snakes with large spots. Their blotches are dark brown and they vary in size.

Dorsal spots on Gopher Snakes are slightly larger than those on the sides. Both are dark brown.

The base dorsal color of these snakes varies on the other hand. It can be bright yellow or bright brown with some room for variation depending on its region.

Various subspecies such as The San Diego Gophersnake come with dark brown spots of various sizes.

3. Common Watersnake

Common Watersnake

Scientific name: Nerodia sipedon.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, dark brown, black, yellow

Mostly brown spots are specific to The Common Watersnake and its subspecies.

This type of snake has a dark appearance with numerous brown spots from head to tail which may also inspire its alternative name of The Blotched Watersnake.

Brown blotches are characteristic of this species. The Common Watersnake also features dark brown to black spots in its Midland Watersnake subspecies.

The Carolina Watersnake subspecies of this family also show numerous yellow spots on its ventral side.

Its yellow spots have an irregular or triangular shape.

4. Dekay’s Brownsnake

Dekay’s Brownsnake

Scientific name: Storeria dekayi.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: black

A dark appearance makes the spots on Dekay’s Brownsnake a bit more difficult to spot at first.

Snakes of this family have small black spots along the sides while their base color is brown.

The short snake also features a discolored wide brown mid-dorsal stripe which allows the species to blend in with many of its surroundings.

A species that rarely reach a length of around 12 inches, Dekay’s Brownsnakes may further be identified by their keeled scales with a rough appearance.

This species may be small but it has a varied diet outside typical small earthworms such as snakes of other species.

5. Western Rattlesnake

Western Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus oreganus.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: brown, black

Different types of brown spots are seen on Western Rattlesnakes.

This venomous species shows brown spots with or without black borders, depending on the region on its body.

Some of its larger dorsal scales are dark brown with black borders while others are light brown without black borders.

There’s a difference in the brown nuance of its spots when it comes to the proximity to the tail as well.

Its spots on the tail are black. A black-brown gradient is specific from the tail to the head of Western Rattlesnakes.

6. Western Ratsnake

Western Ratsnake

Scientific name: Pantherophis obsoletus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown black

If the adult Western Ratsnake has an almost uniform black appearance, its juveniles are some of the most common and some of the largest types of juvenile snakes with spots.

A juvenile Western Ratsnake has dark brown spots all along its body.

Initially brown, these spots can slowly darken until the snake becomes brown or brown-black towards its adult life.

The base color of juveniles is always bright at first. Its dark blotches contrast its appearance and may even confuse the species with other similar blotched snakes.

When it reaches adulthood, the Western Ratsnake becomes one of the largest snakes in North America.

7. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Scientific name: Thamnophis elegans.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: red, black, brown

Very high coloring variation is specific to The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.

This is a species that shows numerous types of morphs with and without spots.

One of its most common appearances combines red and black spots with contrasting white or off-white stripes.

A central mid-dorsal stripe and lateral stripes are the brightest areas. The space between these stripes can show black spots on a red base nuance or red spots on a black nuance closer to the underbelly.

Some Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes are spotless and only show mid-dorsal brown stripes. Others are gray-green with black stripes.

8. Gray Ratsnake

Gray Ratsnake

Scientific name: Pantherophis spiloides.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, black

Some of the largest black blotches are seen on juvenile Gray Ratsnakes.

These types of juveniles have a tan base color with dark brown blotches on the dorsum and the sides.

Most of these blotches begin to become smaller as the juvenile ages. They are then restricted to their dorsal side while the adult can be gray-black or black with numerous dark spots on its white underbelly.

These black spots and scales are mostly seen closer toward its anal plate rather than toward its head.

Its patterned appearance helps it through its vulnerable juvenile days as the species then becomes one of the most powerful constrictors native to North America.

9. Timber Rattlesnake

Timber Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus horridus.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: black

Large black spots or crossbands are seen on Timber Rattlesnakes, a venomous species of Eastern North America.

These types of rattlesnakes are known for having a gray or gray-brown base color.

They eventually start to show different types of black blotches or even black crossbands with an irregular shape when these blotches are fused.

A brown mid-dorsal stripe is also specific to this species.

The juvenile days of Timber Rattlesnakes mark the period this species is most likely to be seen with large black spots.

High amounts of stored venom and high toxicity make the species a neurotoxic snake in North America.

10. Eastern Hognose Snake

Eastern Hognose Snake

Scientific name: Heterodon platirhinos.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, black, white

High coloring and pattern variability are specific to The Eastern Hognose Snake.

While some of its morphs are free of spots, The Eastern Hognose Snake can be seen covered in large black spots or blotches, as well as in brown spots.

This species may also be seen in a spotted mostly black appearance late into its adult life.

The common base color of The Eastern Hognose snake is light brown. This color is typically contrasted by dark brown blotches.

Juvenile Eastern Hognose Snakes may also have a spotted appearance. A light gray color is contrasted by brown, black, and white spots on these young snakes of the species.

11. Checkered Garter Snake

Checkered Garter Snake

Scientific name: Thamnophis marcianus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: black

A bright lichen green color is specific to The Checkered Garter Snake. This is a species that shows a checkered pattern of black spots.

Similarly to the alternating black spots on a chessboard, these black spots alternate on the side of its striped body.

While it has a bright green nuance, this snake also shows a white central dorsal stripe and 2 white lateral stripes.

Both its lateral and its mid-dorsal stripe are white. The mid-dorsal stripe is wider, on the other hand.

The alternating black spots on the snake continue along its body from head to tail, similarly to its white stripes.

12. Corn Snake

Corn Snake. Image by Ethan Porcaro via wikimedia

Scientific name: Pantherophis guttatus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, pink, brown, red

Corn Snakes come in different patterns, subspecies, morphs, and hybrids.

Their common nature makes these types of snakes some of the most common species to be grown in captivity in hybrids.

Often seen in dark brown blotches, this species has a tan or light brown base color as a juvenile.

Large red-brown or brown blotches can further be distinguished on patterned adults as some may have a spot-free appearance.

Snakes of the species further stand out with red-brown or dark red blotches.

Among its hybrids, a pink-to-white color is highly sought after as these types of spots make the species stand out when grown in captivity among other snakes.

13. Prairie Rattlesnake

Prairie Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus viridis.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: brown

While Prairies Rattlesnakes may darken as they age, their brown blotches remain visible throughout their lives.

The brightest shade of brown is seen on their large dorsal spots during their juvenile days.

This is the time when the black and white border around these spots is also highly visible and contrasting with its bright base color.

Over time, the black and white borders around their large spots become less visible while their base color darkens and the spots fade or darken as well.

The tip of their tail is where the rattle of the snake is found. It lacks any type of spots or large blotches.

14. Speckled Kingsnake

Speckled Kingsnake

Scientific name: Lampropeltis holbrooki.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: black, white, cream, yellow

As the name of the species suggests, The Speckled Kingsnake is a species that has a contrasting spotted appearance.

Most of its body is black with white, cream, or even vivid yellow spots.

The shape of its bright spots varies from dots and lines to triangles.

Speckled Kingsnakes show the same color of their spots as their underbelly.

The underbelly of the species may also show black specks.

Various Speckled Kingsnake hybrids exist. They can have various color variations such as purple spots along the sides and the underbelly.

15. Pygmy Rattlesnake

Pygmy Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: black, brown

Much of the appearance of Pygmy Rattlesnakes is marked by the presence of various spots and blotches.

Pygmy Rattlesnakes have a gray color, a brown base color, or a light brown base color.

They can feature dark brown spots or even black blotches with a brown inner section.

An interrupted orange-brown stripe on its mid-dorsal forms a line of contrasting spots as well.

Its rattle has a pale color and lacks spots or blotches.

Pygmy Rattlesnakes are native to the United States with a Southeastern presence that expands from Florida to Texas.

16. Great Plains Ratsnake

Great Plains Ratsnake

Scientific name: Pantherophis emoryi.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: gray, brown, green-brown

Dark brown spots with a black border are seen on The Great Plains Ratsnake.

This is a species with a contrasting appearance which helps it improve camouflage. Much of the vegetation it lives around has a similar color to its body.

Coloring variation on Great Plains snakes is the result of their habitat.

The snake can have a gray base color or a brown nuance base color with contrasting dark brown spots.

Still, even the spots on Great Plains Ratsnakes can have varying colors. They can be gray or brown in most cases but green hues are often seen on their large spots as well.

Great Plains Ratsnakes are US and Mexican natives.

17. Glossy Snake

Glossy Snake

Scientific name: Arizona elegans.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, gray-brown

From arid plains to pure deserts, the color and the patterns of Glossy Snakes can vary considerably.

These types of terrains influence the appearance of the 8 subspecies of the snake.

A mostly tan appearance with large brown spots is characteristic of The Glossy Snake.

This is also a species that may have gray spots, gray base coloring, or gray-brown spots.

Glossy Snakes may reach a size of up to 50 inches and their spots have varying sizes.

Those on the dorsum are larger than those on the sides.

A native species in the Southwestern regions of The United States, Glossy Snakes typically have a brown head if their spots are brown and a gray-brown head if they have similarly-colored spots.

18. Brown Watersnake

Brown Watersnake

Scientific name: Nerodia taxispilota.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: dark brown

A dark appearance is characteristic of The Brown Watersnake.

Dark shades of brown are specific to this species which relies on its dark appearance to approach prey undetected.

Darker brown blotches are seen on its brown-gray body both on the sides and on the dorsum.

A white underbelly contrasts the dark appearance of this species.

As with Glossy Snakes, Brown Watersnakes also have a head that matches the color of their blotches.

The spots of The Brown Watersnake are arranged in numerous rows. Up to 33 rows of spots are seen on Brown Watersnakes.

19. Sidewinder

Sidewinder

Scientific name: Crotalus cerastes.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: bright brown

The bright base color of Sidewinder snakes is typically contrasted by darker blotches.

A high color variation is specific to Sidewinders. This is a species that has a pink, pink-to-white, gray, or gray-to-white base color.

Sidewinders often exhibit light-born color patches.

Much of its bright appearance and the appearance of its bright blotches are specific to this snake based on its habitat.

The Deserts of The Southwest are its main habitats.

Some of its high populations can be seen in The Mojave Desert.

20. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus pyrrhus.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: yellow, black, orange, brown

A highly spotted appearance is specific to The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake. This is a species that often show a combination of yellow, gray, and black spots arranged in groups.

Orange or various shades of brown are also specific to The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.

Some of these snakes may show different size spots as well. These spots can be small, only covering a few speckles, or large, forming crossbands or areas that almost become crossbands.

A species often influenced by shades of green as it may live in areas with streams, this snake is among the important species in San Bernardino County.

21. Black Kingsnake

Black Kingsnake

Scientific name: Lampropeltis nigra.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: cream, off-white

Reaching a length of up to 48 inches, Black Kingsnakes are among the common North American snakes with spots found in various habitats.

Old farms and crops are among the best locations as this is where they can find various types of food such as small rodents.

This snake is named after its mostly black appearance. However, The Black Kingsnake is a species that doesn’t have an all-black color.

White and off-white spots are seen along its sides while its belly may show black spots.

The range of these snakes is considerably expanding throughout The United States.

Black Kingsnakes live in a widespread habitat from the Northern to the Southern border.

22. Prairie Kingsnake

Prairie Kingsnake

Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, red-brown, gray

Prairie Kingsnakes are named after their most common habitat. They grow to a size of up to 40 inches and come in different colored spots.

The main color or the base color of Prairies Kingsnakes can be gray or various shades of brown.

Similar color variation is specific to the spots or blotches along its body.

These are normally brown or red-brown and also exhibit a black border which makes them stand out.

Young Prairie Kingsnakes have a similar spotted body. Additionally, they also show a mid-dorsal stripe and measure less than 30 inches.

A North American native, Prairie Kingsnakes are found in different parts of the Southeast and prefer to flee when spotting humans.

23. Two-striped Garter Snake

Two-striped Garter Snake. Image by Travis W. Reeder via inaturalist

Scientific name: Thamnophis hammondii.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: white, black, yellow, gray

A species marked by its desert presence, Two-striped Garter Snakes also live in arid areas as well as around swamps.

Two-striped Garter Snakes often take on the coloring of their environment, resulting in very different appearances from one area to another.

This snake can come with tiny white spots or with large black spots around its body.

A checkered appearance with black or dark brown spots is also specific to some morphs of this snake.,

Furthermore, its green-gray morph comes with a combination of black and white spots along its body.

24. Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Hypsiglena jani
Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Scientific name: Hypsiglena jani.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: tan, brown, gray, black

A small non-venomous species of North America, The Chihuahuan Nightsanke is a species of The Chihuahuan Desert.

Often confused with juveniles of other species or even with earthworms, this snake grows to a maximum length of up to 16 inches.

Much of its life is spent hiding, especially when spotting large animals or even humans.

This dark snake shows gray-black spots all along its body.

Juveniles of the species have a generally brighter appearance, which is also confirmed in the case of its large black spots.

The juvenile also shows faint tan spots along the sides of its body contrasting the darker brown spots on the dorsum of its body.

25. Eastern Foxsnake

Eastern Foxsnake

Scientific name: Pantherophis vulpinus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: dark brown, black

Dark brown spots are seen on Eastern Foxsnakes. This is a species marked by numerous brown nuances which make its main color and the color of its spots.

A light brown, almost tan, color is specific to its body. The smooth scales of the species stand out under their dark brown spots with a contrasting black border.

The color of its head is typically similar to the color of its brown body and dark brown heads, but it can also be light brown.

A differently-colored head sometimes facilitates this species to be wrongly interpreted as venomous.

As the Eastern Foxsnake grows, it can maintain its brown nuances or darken to a black-spotted appearance.

26. Desert Kingsnake

Desert Kingsnake

Scientific name: Lampropeltis splendida.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: yellow

Mostly black and yellow, Desert Kingsnakes are a non-venomous species with a maximum size of almost 7 feet.

An adult Desert Kingsnake has a base black color. Contrasting elements are further seen in the species.

This includes spots in different shades of yellow. Pale yellow spots are the most common on Desert Kingsnakes, even if some snakes can also show dark yellow spots.

Much of their coloring can also vary in terms of patterns and how these spots are arranged around their body.

The yellow nuance of its spots is also believed to help its camouflaging ability.

Desert Kingsnakes are avid hunters which prefer all types of rodents.

27. Florida Green Watersnake

Nerodia floridana
Florida Green Watersnake

Scientific name: Nerodia floridana.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: dark green, black

A species that lives in the wetlands of Florida, The Florida Green Watersnake is among the local species that don’t stand out.

Both the juveniles and the adult Florida Green Watersnakes show various shades of green along their bodies.

A dark green color is dominant for this species. This means that its tiny black spots the size of a scale may not be easily visible.

Snakes of this species take on a dark green color to match the green habitat they live in.

It’s believed the dark appearance of the species is useful when it comes to The Florida Green Watersnake catching small fish.

28. Rock Rattlesnake

Rock Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus lepidus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: black

Rock Rattlesnakes are among the multiple native venomous species in The Southwestern regions of The United States.

This species may also be known as The Banded Rattlesnake due to its contrasting black crossbands.

Small black spots are further visible on snakes of this species. They are situated between its large black crossbands.

The Rock Rattlesnake is among the species that also have varying main colors.

It can come in a base gray color, in a gray-silver color, or even in a green base color with purple nuances.

As its name implies, rock crevices are among its favorite hiding spots.

29. Western Massasauga

Western Massasauga

Scientific name: Sistrurus tergeminus.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: brown, gray

Western Massasaugas are known for their spotted appearance.

Snakes of this family feature large spots of a gray or brown color with a black border. A light brown Western massasauga has dark brown spots.

A brighter gray Western Massasauga has darker gray spots along its dorsum and sides.

A fan of rodents, the snake is known to often live in the various burrows of rodents in the ground.

It can be found along woodlands, in woodlands, and in other areas with dense vegetation.

Unlike another snake with an impact similar to other rattlesnakes, The Western Massasauga isn’t easily seen as it only comes out for food at night.

30. Desert Nightsnake

Desert Nightsnake

Scientific name: Hypsiglena chlorophaea.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown

A native species in California and areas around San Diego, The Desert Nightshade is a snake marked by its spots throughout its life.

This is a species with dark brown coloring with possible light brown spots on the female.

Juveniles are born with small black dorsal spots.

They typically have a gray base color but may take on gray or various brown shades base color into adulthood.

The spots on the juveniles are small, with plenty of space between them.

As it grows, the snake also grows the size of their spots which become blotches with little space in between.

Coloring adaptations may also be seen in the brown spots which may remain small and of different brown nuances according to their habitat.

31. Coast Night Snake

Coast Night Snake

Scientific name: Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown

Found in coastal areas of California, The Coast Night Shade snake is marked by its brown spots.

This species may or may not show additional black borders along its black spots, depending on its age.

Growing to a size of up to 26 inches, The Coast Night Shade is among the species that lay eggs in clusters.

Females give birth to several young. Up to 7 brown-spotted juveniles without black borders around their spots are born from a female after laying eggs.

Both juveniles and adults have a bright white or pale yellow underbelly.

32. Trans-pecos Ratsnake

Trans-pecos Ratsnake

Scientific name: Bogertophis subocularis.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: black, yellow

Trans-pecos Ratsnakes are among the brightest types of snakes in Texas. This is a species that may have a tan color but which may also appear pale yellow.

Snakes of this genus are known for their black marks and tiny black spots along their large black marks.

A typical adult Trans-Pecos Ratsnake has fused black spots which form an H-shape along the mid-dorsum.

The black marks on the snakes are also decorated with tiny yellow spots, particularly on the inner side.

Trans-Pecos Ratsnakes have bright yellow or tan heads without spots.

33. Plains Hognose Snake

Plains Hognose Snake

Scientific name: Heterodon nasicus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, light brown

Brown and dark brown spots are characteristic of the Plains Hognose Snake.

This species has a combination of large and small spots with a difference in color and vividness.

Larger brown spots are seen on its mid-dorsum. While larger, these spots have a faint shade.

Darker brown spots are seen on its sides. These spots also have black borders but their dark nuances may make them appear completely black from afar.

Plains Hognose Snakes may be spotted during the day as they are diurnal.

34. Western Foxsnake

Western Foxsnake

Scientific name: Pantherophis ramspotti.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, dark brown, black

These types of constrictors show small spots and large spots from head to tail.

A base gray, gray-green, or tan color is characteristic of the species which shows dark brown contrasting spots.

Some of the larger spots are seen in the mid-dorsum and on the upper part of the body. Its lower sides are marked by small brown spots.

A darkening characteristic is further seen in these snakes. With age, their spots turn dark brown to black while their bodies turn dark brown.

35. Western Leaf-nosed Snake

Western Leaf-nosed Snake

Scientific name: Phyllorhynchus decurtatus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown

Western Leaf-nosed Snakes are native to the Southwestern United States and Southern California.

Snakes of this family show brown spots of different sizes and shapes. They are known for their pale almost white color in their first few months.

While pale at first, they still show contrasting brown spots.

As they mature, they can darken dorsally and remain pale on the sides or remain completely pale with larger brown spots.

These spots are typical to its sides as the dorsal brown markings have the shape of short bands.

36. Pine Snake

Pine Snake

Scientific name: Pituophis melanoleucus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, black

Found around forests, Pine Snakes are native to Southern and Southeastern US states.

Snakes of this species can be closer to brown or closer to black, depending on their region. They also show large brown or black patches along their bodies.

A species with a bright head and a bright body, Pine Snakes rarely show uniform coloring in their blotches.

A brown-blotched Pine Snake typically has brighter central brown blotches.

While abundant, Pine Snakes are secretive, living much of their lives hiding underground.

37. Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus cerberus.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: white, yellow

A dark appearance with contrasting white or yellow dots and crossbands is specific to The Arizona Black Rattlesnake.

This species can become almost completely black as it ages. Short black spots and lines are seen along its mid-dorsum.

Its lower side of the body, closer to the tail, shows contrasting crossbands.

White or yellow color is specific to its crossbands, similar to the other contrasting marks on its body.

38. Sonoran Lyre Snake

Trimorphodon lambda
Sonoran Lyre Snake

Scientific name: Trimorphodon lambda.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, red-brown, black, white

Native to The Sonoran, the Californian Sonoran Lyre Snake shows different size brown spots from head to tail, together with brown blotches and stripes.

Snakes of this genus have a pale color as juveniles, with just a few brown spots.

They darken to a gray-green or brown base color with larger blue spots and blotches. These spots are often bordered with white or black sections.

Red-brown spots and blotches are also seen in this species.

Much of their range is tied to desert habitats where the snake can take on colors which mostly match the ground in its area.

39. Mexican Hognose Snake

Heterodon kennerlyi
Mexican Hognose Snake. Image by Michael Price via inaturalist

Scientific name: Heterodon kennerlyi.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, dark brown

A series of brown and dark brown spots are seen from head to tail on The Mexican Hognose Snake.

This is a species with a bright appearance. A tan color or a tan-yellow color is specific to the snake.

Its contrasting spots are dark brown and come in different sizes across its mid-dorsum.

Brighter brown smaller spots are seen on its lower sides.

The head of the species shows a pattern of dark brown stripes, close to its eyes, and lighter brown spots further back.

40. Massasauga

Massasauga

Scientific name: Sistrurus catenatus.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: brown, dark brown, gray-brown

Shades of brown dominate the coloring of Massagaua snakes. This species may be seen with numerous dark brown spots all across its body.

The main color of the species shows higher variability. It can come in different shades of gray or different shades of brown.

Distributed around Central North America and the United States, these snakes may grow their spots to large blotches as they age.

Eventually, the dark brown spots become dominant and they may even turn black on older snakes.

41. Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake

Scientific name: Gyalopion canum.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, black

This small snake in Southern US and Mexico shows high color variation and brown spots.

Juveniles are mostly gray-brown with a few central dorsal brown spots.

These spots become crossbands as the snakes mature and reach sexual maturity.

Growing only to a maximum length of 14 inches, Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snakes mainly eat spiders, bugs, and other insects.

42. Speckled Racer

Speckled Racer

Scientific name: Drymobius margaritiferus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: yellow, green, black

Each scale of The Speckled Racer comes in different colors, forming a uniquely dark and bright contrasting appearance of the species.

While mostly black, the snake also shows green and yellow alternating scales.

This alternation can be specific to the upper side of its body, closer to its head, or its entire body.

Black, green, and yellow Speckled Racers may also have mostly brown tails and heads.

In some cases, a black and green Speckled Racer may also have a mostly brown head.

Its coloring depends on its subspecies and habitat. This species has a widespread distribution from Texas to El Salvador.

43. Twin-spotted Rattlesnake

Twin-spotted Rattlesnake

Scientific name: Crotalus pricei.

Venomous: Yes

The color of the spots: is brown

Eastern and Western territories of Mexico (plus New Mexico) are the main distribution areas of The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake.

This is a species dominated by brown nuances. It can have a tan or light brown base color and dark brown spots and blotches around its dorsum.

Blue-gray base colors may also be seen on rare Eastern Mexico Twin-spotted Rattlesnakes.

While barely growing to a size longer than 20 inches, these snakes are venomous.

44. Southern Hognose Snake

Southern Hognose Snake

Scientific name: Heterodon simus.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: black, red

Various types of small and large black spots are seen on The Southern Hognose Snakes.

A combination of large and small spots is specific to the species which is among the few mostly red snakes to be found in the South.

Found in woodlands and along riparian areas, this species shows larger black spots on the mid-dorsum and smaller black spots on the sides.

45. Kirtland’s Snake

Kirtland’s Snake

Scientific name: Clonophis kirtlandii.

Venomous: No

The color of the spots: brown, dark brown, black

Brown and dark brown blotches are seen on the dorsal side of Kirtland’s Snake.

Unlike other species with plain belly coloring, Kirtland’s Snakes also show a red belly with 2 rows of black spots on each side of the body.

Found South of The Great Lakes, Kirtland’s Snakes use their colors to their defense. They can also flatten their bodies and fake death to escape predators.