Description:
Scientific name: Lamprophis
Life span: 9-15 years
House snake, any of several nonvenomous snake species that live in or around dwellings. In the United States this name is often given to the milk snake (see king snake). The house snakes of Africa belong to the genus Lamprophis, family Colubridae, with about 14 species. They are nonvenomous mouse- and rat-catchers. Species of Lamprophis exhibit a wide variety of pattern variation, and may be spotted, striped, or solid in color. House snakes are sexually dimorphic, the females grow significantly larger.
Native Region/Habitat
any of the several non-venomous snake species that reside in or close to homes is a house snake. The milk snake is frequently referred to by this name in the United States (see king snake). The family Colubridae, which has roughly 14 species, includes the house snakes of Africa under the genus Lamprophis. They catch rats and mice without biting. Lamprophis species come in a wide range of pattern variations and might have spotted, striped, or plain coloration. House snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism, with the females becoming noticeably bigger.
Behavior:
Wild house snakes are frequently highly tense, but they don’t typically bite. They run as a first line of defense. They usually inhabit the areas around human habitations and feed on rats, tiny lizards, and occasionally birds. The prolific breeders known as house snakes produce clutches of eight to twelve eggs, which hatch after about two months of incubation. Hatchlings typically measure 20 centimeters in length.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Temperature: The ideal basking temperature for house snakes is 90°F. The temperature should be in the 70s to 75s F range on the opposite side of the enclosure.
Humidity: The ideal humidity range for house snakes is 40% to 60%. Your snake should also have a moistened sphagnum moss-lined damp hide.
Feeding: Others consume insects, amphibians (frogs or toads), eggs, other reptiles, fish, earthworms, or slugs. Other predators feed only on warm-blooded food (such as rodents, rabbits, and birds). Snakes consume their meals whole. Most commonly kept as pets, snakes consume prey like mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters.
Enclosure: An ideal size for an adult Africa house snake enclosure is 24 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches.
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