Archelaphe bella

A well-ventilated terrestrial terrarium with a tightly sealed closure (a skilful escaper), with a deep substrate for burrowing and multiple hides.

A terrarium with the recommended minimum dimensions suits an adult; prioritise floor space over height. This secretive species needs at least two snug hides (warm side and cool side), plus bark and leaf litter to feel secure; otherwise it stays stressed and refuses to feed.

A moderately humid mountain-forest atmosphere. Keep the substrate slightly moist at depth without soaking the surface. A humid hide (moss/sphagnum) aids shedding. Provide enough ventilation to avoid stagnant air and respiratory infections.

Provide a deep layer, as the species is semi-burrowing and spends much time buried. Keep the bottom slightly moist and the surface drier. Avoid dusty or resinous substrates (pine) and do not use overly dry shavings.

Not essential for this crepuscular/nocturnal species. A low-intensity UVB (low UV index, a diffused low-output tube) remains beneficial if offered alongside plentiful shaded areas; avoid any strong lighting that would stress it.

A large bowl of clean water available at all times, refreshed often; it also contributes to humidity. The animal may soak in it, notably before shedding.

Mountain forests of South-East and southern Asia: southern China (Yunnan, Sichuan), northern Myanmar, northern Vietnam and north-eastern India, generally at high elevations.

Carnivore (rodent-eater, with a snake-/lizard-eating component in the wild). — Pinky mice and appropriately sized small rodents; in the wild it also eats reptile eggs and small lizards.

Small species: slim prey, never wider than the thickest part of the body. Feed roughly once a week. Wild-caught individuals often refuse rodents at first and may take only lizards; patient transition work (prey scented with lizard, presented at night, inside the hide) is frequently necessary.

Clutch 3–8 eggs/young. Captive breeding is rare and poorly documented. A winter cooling (a light brumation of several weeks) is generally needed to trigger the cycle. Eggs are incubated at a warm temperature. Clutch size is estimated by comparison with related colubrids; real data are very limited.

• Internal parasites (nematodes, protozoa) very common in wild-caught animals
• External parasites (snake mites, ticks) on import
• Respiratory infections linked to excessive heat or stagnant air
• Feeding refusal, dehydration and stress-related weight loss (especially unacclimatised wild specimens)
• Difficult shedding (dysecdysis) when humidity is inadequate