Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate

• Size: Adults can be housed in a commercially available enclosure
• Low Humidity: This species does not do well in humid conditions
• Airflow: Ensure enclosure has adequate ventilation at all times
• Underground Ambush Predator: A fully buried snake can be challenging to feed and monitor health changes

Adult Size

• Male: 15 to 18 inches (0.38 to 0.45 meters)
• Female: 26 to 36 inches (0.66 to 0.91 meters)

Life Cycle

• Average Lifespan: 20-30 years
• • Ovoviviparous - Egg sacs grow inside female, live birth

Enclosure Size

• Male: 24x18x12 inches
• Female: 36x18x12 inches

Husbandry Values

• Temperature:
  • Ambient: 78-80°F (25.5-26.6°C)
  • Basking: 90-95°F (32.2-35°C)
    • The basking area should not exceed 95°F (35°C)
• Humidity: Avoid high humidity (>55%)
  • Mist lightly or provide a humid hide while in shed
• Lighting: No specific requirements
  • UV Light can be beneficial

Diet

• Carnivore: Rodents

Behavior Notes

• Burrower: This snake may burrow and completely bury itself
• Ambush predator: This species hunts by surprising and constricting its prey

***These care sheets assume that you understand the basics of snake care & husbandry.
If you are a new snake owner, it is recommended that you read our articles on general reptile care and then fine tune the requirements for the specific species you are interested in.