Observaciones de kencox

Of the three species of spadefoots occurring in New Mexico (genera Scaphiopus and Spea) this individual's identification is based on the absence of a boss between the eyes and it having an odor reminiscent of peanuts, both features eliminating Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons). Unlike the sickle-shaped "spade" of Couch's Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) this individual's "spade" is wedge-shaped.

Nighttime road cruising. This is one of three Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes encountered this evening while driving roads adjacent to the Rio Grande Main Conveyance Channel. The largest (about 4 feet in length; not photographed) was spotted on the road edge and adjacent to thick vegetation. Its mid-section was greatly distended indicating recent consumption of a meal. As I approached it slithered into the vegetation. The third snake of the night is Observation 185619876. A total of 9.76 miles was surveyed.