About Hypsiglena jani Dugès, 1865
Hypsiglena jani ranges from 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters) in total length including the tail, with a record maximum total length of 20 inches (51 centimeters). Its base color is typically light gray or tan, with dark brown or dark gray blotches running along its back, and it has an unmarked underside. It has smooth dorsal scales, and its pupil is vertically elliptical. This species is rear-fanged and classified as venomous, though it is not dangerous to humans. Hypsiglena jani prefers semi-arid habitats with rocky soils. Its geographic range extends from southern Kansas to southern Colorado, and continues south through New Mexico, the western half of Texas, all the way to central Mexico. This is an oviparous species that breeds during the spring rainy season. Females lay 4 to 6 eggs per clutch, which incubate for approximately 8 weeks before hatching. On average, the eggs measure 27 mm (1.1 in) long by 10 mm (3⁄8 in) wide. Newly hatched Hypsiglena jani are about 15 cm (5.9 in) in total length.
