Bogertophis subocularis

A secured horizontal terrarium / vivarium, with climbing areas

Minimum for an adult; larger is preferable. An excellent escape artist: lid and openings perfectly locked. A saxicolous, semi-climbing species: provide branches, cork and STABLE rock stacks (wedged against the floor, never placed on the substrate to avoid any crushing), plus at least two hides (warm side and cool side).

A dry, well-ventilated environment. Provide a humid box (moss/moistened sphagnum) during shedding periods to prevent dysecdysis.

Dry substrate, low in dust and free of irritating sharp edges. Avoid pure fine sand (risk of impaction if ingested). Feeding in a bowl or off the substrate limits accidental ingestion.

Not essential (nocturnal species). A low-intensity UVB (UVI ~1-2, low-power T5 tube) remains beneficial for rhythm and metabolism; provide shaded hides.

A bowl of clean water at all times, refreshed regularly; also used for hydration before shedding. A container heavy enough not to be tipped over.

South-western North America: the Trans-Pecos region (western Texas, southern New Mexico) and northern Mexico (Coahuila, Chihuahua, Nuevo León). Inhabits the Chihuahuan Desert, in arid to semi-arid rocky habitats (limestone outcrops, scree, canyons).

Strict carnivore (rodents) — Mice and small rats of suitable size (prey width ≈ body width), served thawed/warmed

In the wild it eats rodents and occasionally bats caught in caves. In captivity: frozen-thawed prey. Adults fed every 7-14 days; avoid overfeeding (risk of obesity). Nocturnal snakes: feeding in the evening improves feeding response.

Clutch 4–12 eggs/young. Maturity at around 2-3 years. Breeding is generally triggered by a cool winter brumation (~12-16 °C, 6-10 weeks). Lays relatively large eggs; incubation at ~27-28 °C for about 70-90 days. Non-CITES; most often captive-bred (many selected phenotypes).

• Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature or ventilation, environment too humid)
• Incomplete shed / dysecdysis due to a lack of a humid spot
• Obesity linked to overfeeding
• Regurgitation (post-meal handling or temperature too low)
• External (mites) and internal parasites