Care Sheet - Arizona Snake (Arizona elegans)
Care Sheet - Arizona Snake (Arizona elegans)
Arizona eligans Common Names
Arizona Snake, Glossy Snake
Subspecies
DESERT GLOSSY SNAKE Arizona elegans eburnata. This subspecies is
found in western and south-western Arizona. It has a shorter tail
relative to body size than the Painted Desert Glossy Snake. ARIZONA
GLOSSY SNAKE Arizona elegans noctivaga. This subspecies is found
across most of south-central Arizona. It has a shorter tail
relative to body size than the Painted Desert Glossy Snake. PAINTED
DESERT GLOSSY SNAKE Arizona elegans philipi. This subspecies is
found in the plateau region of north-eastern Arizona and in the far
south-eastern corner of the state. It has a longer tail relative to
body size than the other subspecies found in Arizona.Habitat
From Middle-USA to Central-Mexico.
Crepuscular and nocturnal.
It inhabits Arizona's desert scrubland, through Semi desert
Grassland, and into the Plains and Great Basin Grassland. It is
usually found in relatively flat, open, shrubby areas with sandy or
loamy soil.
Size
Approx. 160-180 cm
Life Expectancy
Over 20 years
Reproduction
Lays up to 23 eggs, 2 clutches per year are possible. Incubation
period at 28C about 70-85 days.Temperature
Ground temperature between 26-28C, local heat spots up to 35C.
Night-time temperature drop to 20C.
Humidity
40-60%
Lighting
Daylight fluorescent tubes e.g. "Natural Sunlight" or "Zoo Med
Reptisun 2.0"
Substrate
Earth containing clay with rock structures or "Sand" or
grit.
Cage Furniture
Hideouts, stones, roots among other things climbing facilities.
Flat water bowl.
FoodMice of appropriate sizes
Comments
This nocturnal ground-dweller is good burrower that spends the
majority of its time underground. It hibernates in an underground
burrow during the cold months of winter and late fall. When
threatened or harassed it often vibrates its tail. It rarely
bites.John Gamesby
