Lichanura trivirgata

Terrestrial desert/arid-type terrarium

A 90x45x45 cm terrarium suits an adult. Well-secured lid: this boa is surprisingly strong at forcing openings. Provide at least two tight hides (warm side and cool side) and a few rocks/roots. IMPORTANT: the family Boidae is listed on CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B); keep the documents proving the animal's legal origin.

An arid-habitat species: maintain a dry environment. Offer a temporary humid hide only during shedding to help the skin detach.

Keep the substrate dry. Avoid loose fine sand if the animal is fed directly on it (risk of ingestion and impaction); instead feed on a clean surface.

Not essential for this crepuscular/nocturnal species. Low-level UVB (index 2-5%) still benefits wellbeing if the photoperiod is respected.

A small dish of clean, fresh water. Some keepers do not leave it available permanently in order to maintain low humidity, but offer water regularly; ensure the water does not soak the substrate.

Southwestern United States (California, Arizona) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Sonora): rocky deserts, arid scrubland and rock scree.

Strict carnivore (rodents) — Mice of appropriate size (pinkies to adult mice), preferably pre-killed and thawed.

Generally an excellent feeder. Juveniles fed every 5-7 days, adults every 7-14 days. A species prone to obesity: do not overfeed.

Small litters. Sexual maturity around 2-3 years. A winter brumation (10-15 °C) is the main breeding trigger; gestation of about 4-5 months.

• Respiratory infections (often linked to excessively high humidity or insufficient temperatures)
• Dysecdysis / incomplete shedding (lack of a humid spot during the shed)
• Obesity from overfeeding
• Mites (Ophionyssus natricis)
• Impaction/digestive retention (unsuitable substrate or temperatures too low for digestion)