HOGNOSE, the name applied to the three species of the North American genus Heterodon of colubrine snakes. The name is due to the blunt snout of the commonest species, H. platyrhinus, which may reach a length of 3ft., and is a reddish brown above, with dark markings and whitish below. All species are harmless, feeding on small animals, eggs, etc. They are oviparous. H. platyrhinus is sometimes mistaken for the venomous copperhead (q.v.).