Long Nose Snake
(Rhinocheilus lecontei)
Distribution
This species of snake is distributed along the south western States of the USA and Mexico. It is quite scarce in its native lands. It survives mainly in deserts and scrublands.
Although still controversial and possible not valid, there are currently four subspecies that are recognized and these are Mexican Long Nosed Snake (
Rhinocheilus lecontei antonii), Isla Cerralvo or Etheridge’s Long Nosed Snake (
Rhinocheilus lecontei etheridgei), Western Longnose Snake (
Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei) and Texas Long Nose Snake (
Rhinocheilus lecontei tessellatus).
Size
This is a relatively small species of snake, reaching average sizes of 60 - 90cm (2 - 3 feet) in length.
Diet
In the wild this species mainly feeds upon small rodents, worms, insects and small lizards. May also eat smaller snakes. In captivity a diet of small mice and earthworms if they will eat them. It is essential with this species of snake to ensure that it is feeding prior to purchase as some can be really problem feeders and will only eat lizards of particular species.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be Guarded and thermostatically controlled reflector spot lights in green or red, ceramics or heat mats.
- UV Light Source:-Although UVB exposure in snakes is a controversial issue, it is generally becoming accepted that snakes benefit from exposure to UVB. Therefore I generally recommend that a 5.0 UVB tube is positioned no more than 30cm away from the snakes basking area and is left on for 8- 10 hours a day. This should be replaced every 6-7 months. As this species is mainly nocturnal in the wild, care should be taken not to expose it to too much white/UV light. Care should be taken if your snake is albino as the light intensity could have a detrimental effect on the snake’s eyes. Vitamin D3 supplements should also be kept to a minimum.
- Housing: - This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings would require a small hatchling tub (pen pal, geoflat or even a ventilated sandwich box) which can be housed in a heated vivarium. An adult snake can live quite happily in a vivarium measuring 60 cm long by 45cm deep by 45cm high (24 inches long by 18 inches deep and 18 inches high).
- Thermostat: - An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures of the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are often inaccurate.
- Hides: - Likes to hide in burrows in the wild, so plenty of rocky hides and caves should be provided. Plastic pots with a small entrance hole cut into them are ideal hides for this species and can help to induce feeding.
Humidity
These animals require a water container which will allow them to bathe without constriction. This water should be changed daily as this is also the water they drink. The enclosure should have low to moderate levels of humidity.
Temperature
The daytime temperature should be maintained at between 26 - 32°C (78 - 90°F), with a basking area at the warm end of the vivarium. At night the temperature may be allowed to drop to between 18 - 22°C (64 - 72°F).
Substrate
This can be anything from newspaper, brown paper or even astro turf. Whatever you use remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease.
NB – This species is not suited for a first time snake.
NB – Photograph taken from http://www.herper.com/snakearticles/longnose.html
Distribution map is taken from http://lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Rhinocheilus%20lecontei.HTM
Further Reading/Useful Contacts/Websites
Stuart Dodsworth –
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society –
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society –
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Rhinocheilus_SP_lecontei']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
http://www.herper.com/snakearticles/longnose.html
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/rhle.htm
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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