Rough Green Snake
(Opheodrys aestivus)
Distribution
The Rough Green Snake is a fast and active snake, which is mainly found in eastern areas of North America. There are currently two subspecies recognized and these are Northern Rough Green Snake (
Opheodrys aestivus aestivus) and The Florida Rough Green Snake (
Opheodrys aestivus carinatus).
Size
The neonates of this species are usually around 18cm (7.2) at hatching. As adults they have been known to reach 71cm (28.4).
Diet
This species of snake is entirely insectivorous. In captivity a variety of brown crickets, black crickets, mealworm beetles, wax worm moths, crane fly, etc can be offered. Some even start to take baby mice (although this isnt that common). The insects should be gut loaded prior to feeding in order to ensure that they have as much of a nutrient content as possible, they should be dusted with calcium powder prior to offering as well. Care should be taken to vary the diet as much as possible.
Some wild caught specimens have been known to starve themselves to death, so it is best to ensure that they snake is feeding well prior to purchase.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - Whichever source of heat you choose it should be guarded and thermostatically controlled, possible heat sources are reflector spotlights (green or red), ceramic bulbs and thermostatically controlled heat mats.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - UV lighting is recommended for this species, as it helps to encourage reluctant feeders to feed. This should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking snake. One of the better brands is the Reptisun 5.0 UVB light. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside 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 any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Branches, plastic plants and cork bark all make excellent hides/climbing areas.
- Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A Vivarium measuring 60cm long by 30cm deep by 45cm high (2ft by 1ft by 1½ft) will accommodate a small group of these snakes. Ensure there is as small a gap as possible between the glass, as these snakes are slender and excellent escape artists.
Temperature
During the daytime a temperature gradient of 23.8 31 degrees Celsius (75-88 degrees Fahrenheit) should be provided. At night the temperature may be allowed to drop to between 18.3 degrees Celsius to 23.3 degrees Celsius (65 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit).
Humidity and water
An ambient humidity of around 60% should be maintained with occasional mistings. A shallow water bowl should be provided at all times. Areas containing sphagnum moss should be provided to create humid areas.
Longevity
This species has an average lifespan of around 2 years in captivity, but specimens have been recorded up to 6 years occasionally.
Substrate
The best substrates to use, with this species is bark substrate (not pine or cedar) or potting soil as they assist in maintaining the humidity for the snakes.
NB Wild caught specimens are often difficult to get feeding and usually require treating for parasites. Get a captive-bred specimen if possible.
NB Distribution map taken from http://lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Opheodrys%20aestivus.HTM
Photograph to be added shortly.
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society
www.thebhs.org
www.petsnakes.co.uk
Taxonomy Information
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Opheodrys_SP_aestivus']
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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