Description:
Scientific name: Heterodon kennerlyi
Life span: 9-20 years
While frequently being regarded as a southern subspecies of the western hognose, Heterodon nasicus, this species has just been given species status. The numerous hog-noses can be distinguished from the tiny smooth scaled hook-nose snakes by their keeled scales, massive bodies, and huge sizes (14″ to 3″). Just posterior to the upturned rostral scale, this western species has 2 to 6 tiny scales (azygous scales).
Native Region/Habitat
From southwest and extremely southern Texas through northeastern and central Mexico, the species is present. The Mexican hognose, a species that loves dry, practically desert environments, favours locations with loose, sandy soils that make efficient burrowing possible.
Behavior:
These snakes are solitary and are infrequently observed in groups. Consider nighttime feedings of specimen pinky or hopper mice. Try lizards, ideally alive, if mice are not taken after several tries. Once the snake has started eating, you can get it to switch to mice from lizards by rubbing a dead lizard over a pinky mouse. The majority of specimens will eventually turn to mice. Although not strictly poisonous, this rear-fanged snake’s bites have caused allergic reactions in certain persons.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Since the Mexican hognose is a sedentary species with little space requirements, a terrarium made of a 10-gallon tank or a container of comparable size will do. Choose any loose material that enables the snake to comfortably burrow and stay dry as the substrate. A couple inches of aspen or thicker, more difficult to clean sand both work nicely. The snake typically hides under a branch or other object of décor and emerges at night. The temperature should be close to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and only slightly lower at night. A basking light is superfluous and rarely utilized. Never let the substrate grow wet; instead, provide water in a shallow dish. The majority of species do not drink; instead, they obtain their water via food. Mexican hognoses don’t eat toads; instead, they prefer to eat lizards and small rodents.
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