Geographical Region

North America – Arizona/Texas

Habitat

Dry prairie areas, scrubland and flood plains

Colour

Sandy/grey background colouration with black patterns/markings

Size

Up to 25-inches

Captive Environment

24 x 15 x 15 for a single adult

36 x 15 x 15 for an adult pair.

A light dry substrate such as aspen bedding is best as these snakes like to burrow into it. Plenty of hiding places are also essential as they can be fairly shy. A medium sized water bowl for them to drink from should also be provided.

Heating

A basking temperature of 85°F and a cooler end of 80°F is needed, with a night time drop down to 75°F. Use a reflector bulb to produce the daytime heat, and a heat mat under the substrate (1/3 size of the tank maximum) to allow for night time heating.

Lighting

The reflector bulb used for heating will provide enough light for the snakes to be active. They are crepuscular mainly active in the early morning, and early evening.

Photoperiod

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

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 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.