Rhinechis scalaris

Secure terrestrial terrarium with climbing opportunities

Minimum dimensions for one adult; larger is always preferable. Lid/openings perfectly locked (a powerful snake and a seasoned escape artist). Provide at least two hides (warm side and cool side), branches and rocks for climbing, and good ventilation to avoid stale air.

An overall dry to moderate environment, in keeping with the Mediterranean climate. Avoid stagnant humidity. Temporarily raise the humidity or provide a humid hide during sheds.

A rather dry substrate but able to retain a little moisture locally. Offer a humid box (sphagnum/moss) to facilitate shedding. Ban a waterlogged substrate, a source of skin and respiratory infections.

Low to moderate UVB recommended for this diurnal, heliophilous species (Ferguson zone 2-3, tube of about 5-6%). Not strictly essential if the diet is well supplemented with vitamin D3, but beneficial to well-being and basking behaviour.

A bowl of clean, fresh water available at all times, large enough to allow the snake to immerse itself. Renew regularly. No need for a large permanent humid area.

Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal), the extreme Mediterranean south of France, Menorca and some coastal areas. Occupies dry, sunny habitats: garrigue, maquis scrub, rocky hillsides, vineyards and dry-stone walls.

Carnivore (rodents and birds) — Mice and rats of a suitable size; occasional chicks. Juveniles may accept small lizards or insects.

A very voracious feeder with a high metabolism. Strictly match prey size (width ~1 to 1.5 times that of the snake) and space out meals to avoid overfeeding and obesity. Feed preferably with thawed prey.

Clutch 5–15 eggs/young. A winter brumation (~10-14 °C, 6 to 10 weeks) stimulates the reproductive cycle. Laying in spring/early summer; incubation of about 50 to 70 days at ~26-28 °C. The young show a juvenile ladder pattern that evolves into longitudinal stripes in adulthood (ontogenic change).

• Snout abrasions (pointed rostral scale) from rubbing against the walls — frequent in this nervous snake that seeks to escape
• Respiratory infections (an environment that is too cold, humid or poorly ventilated)
• Incomplete sheds (dysecdysis) if humidity is insufficient
• Mites (Ophionyssus natricis) and skin problems
• Obesity and hepatic steatosis from overfeeding (a very voracious feeder)