Drymarchon melanurus

Spacious, sturdy and fully secured terrestrial terrarium

A very active, powerful and large snake: provide the largest possible space (ideally at least the length of the snake). Lockable lid and solid structure — a formidable escape artist. Provide sturdy hides, a few low branches and a large ground-level exercise area.

A humid tropical atmosphere but well ventilated: avoid stagnant air. Maintain a more humid zone around the water source and a drier side. Light misting as needed.

Absorbent substrate, to be cleaned and renewed very often: droppings are liquid, abundant and foul-smelling (high metabolism). Avoid a constantly waterlogged substrate, a source of bacterial dermatitis.

Recommended. An active diurnal species: UVB lighting (Ferguson zone 2–3, UVI ~2–3, T5 tube 5–7%) supports metabolism, vitamin D3 synthesis and vitality. Combine with bright ambient lighting on a regular photoperiod.

A large water container allowing full immersion of the body: the animal bathes and defecates in it frequently. Clean and renew very regularly (abundant liquid waste) to keep the water clean at all times.

From Mexico (Atlantic slope) across Central America to northern Colombia and Venezuela. Occupies varied habitats: humid and dry tropical forests, forest edges, savannas and open areas, often near water.

Carnivore — apex predator, ophiophagous — Rodents, birds and chicks, fish, amphibians and other snakes (including venomous ones in the wild).

Very high metabolism: frequent feedings required. In captivity, a rodent-based diet (rats/mice) possibly supplemented with fish or chicks. Ophiophagous and opportunistic: house STRICTLY alone (risk of cannibalism). Non-venomous. Many individuals in the trade are wild-caught (WC), often heavily parasitized and stressed — favour captive-bred (CB) specimens. The species is generally not listed under CITES (not to be confused with D. couperi, protected in the United States), but check local regulations before acquiring one.

Clutch 4–15 eggs/young. Breeding is often stimulated by a cooling/light brumation period (~15–20 °C for a few weeks). Eggs are incubated at around 27–29 °C for approximately 75–90 days.

• Respiratory infections (temperature too low or insufficient ventilation)
• Internal and external parasites, very common in wild-caught individuals
• Stomatitis (mouth rot)
• Bacterial dermatitis / scale rot linked to soiled or overly damp substrate
• Obesity and hepatic lipidosis from overfeeding