Geographical Region

Found on the island of Madagascar

Habitat

Coastal and montane forests as well as open grassland.

Colour

Creamy/yellow flanks with olive-green/black markings

Size

Can grow up to 6-feet, usually only to about 5-feet though

Captive Environment

36 x 18 x 18 for a single adult

48 x 18 x 18 for an adult pair

These snakes require a slightly hotter, more humid environment than their American cousins. A large water bowl will help keep humidity at around 60% and will suit the snake perfectly.  They like to burrow so aspen bedding is the best choice as it allows naturalistic behaviour, is partially digestible if swallowed and is absorbent.

Heating

A basking temperature of around 88 - 90°F, with a day-time ambient of around 86°F, night time temperatures should not drop to below 70°F, so a heatmat is recommended to raise floor temperature in their hide.

Lighting

These snakes do not require UVB radiation; therefore a normal household tungsten bulb is adequate. Although, you can use Exo-Terra Sun Glo bulbs which give off UVA radiation, this helps to stimulate feeding and breeding responses as well as gives the snakes a better overall colouration.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 11 hours light – 13 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 12 hours light – 12 hours dark.

Feeding

These snakes should be fed appropriate sized rodents, nothing bigger than the snake at its thickest point.

Sexing

Males have a much longer, slender tail from the cloaca, females tail is a lot shorter but stumpier near the vent. Easiest way to sex them is to have an experienced keeper probe them.

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food          during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.

Toxicity

These snakes, like their American cousins, are rear-fanged and mildly toxic. Therefore anyone with an allergy to bee-stings should not keep these as pets. Although these are mild mannered and become accustomed to handling.