Eastern Hognose Snake
(Heterodon platyrhinos)
Distribution
Eastern Hognose Snakes are common on grasslands, heavily wooded areas and occasionally sandy areas. They are a diurnal snake which actively hunts for its prey.
It is found in Central, Eastern and South Eastern USA. In some of these areas it is often called a Puff Adder or Spreading Adder. Hence the use of scientific names can be very useful with this species.
Size
At hatching this species of Hognose is between 5 and 12 inches. The Eastern Hognose can get up to 80cm (32 inches) in length, although some grow up to 112cm (45cm).
Diet
Eastern Hognose snake’s main diet in the wild is toads and other amphibians. They do also occasionally eat small mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, insects and occasionally eggs. It must be noted that wild Eastern Hognose snakes do not constrict their prey, instead they swallow it live. A diet of small rodents in captivity will suffice. It is extremely important that these snakes are fed using tongs in order to reduce the risk of feeding induced bites from occurring. It is important to ensure that this snake is feeding on defrosted rodents prior to purchase as some specimens can be problematic feeders.
Eastern Hognose Snakes have been known to eat other snakes, for this reason it is best to house them individually, except in the breeding season or house similar sized snakes together.
Requirements
- Heat Source:- This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, blue or red. Ceramic heaters can also be used, although heat mats are a useful alternative. Ensure all heat sources are thermostatically controlled and adequately guarded to prevent thermal burns from occurring.
- Ultra Violet Light Source:- Although it is controversial to recommend the use of UV supplementation with snakes, many herpetologists wouldn't be without one. One of the better brands to use is the Reptisun 5.0 (by zoomed labs), this should be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking reptile and left on for between 10 and 14 hours daily. This should be replaced every 6 – 7 months. They should never be used with snakes with unpigmented eyes as it can damage the eyes irreparably.
- 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.
- Housing:- A dark wooden vivarium with a glass frontage is ideal for this species. Due to their shy nature the vivarium should be situated away from drafty, busy areas of the house. A vivarium measuring 90cm long by 46cm wide by 46cm deep (3ft by 1.5ft by 1.5ft) is suitable.
- 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 incorrect.
- Hides:- These are an essential part of any vivarium as they provide the animals with an area to escape from the stresses of over exposure. Suitable hides include logs, boxes, plastic plants, burrowning medium, etc.
- Water:- This species of snake requires moderate levels of humidity. A small water bowl should be provided and changed daily.
Temperature
The background temperatures should be maintained at around 23C (75F), with a basking area that reaches up to 35C (95F). At night the temperature may be allowed to drop to 16C (65F).
Longevity
This species of Hognose Snake usually live for up to 10 years.
Substrate
The Eastern Hognose requires areas of the vivarium where it can dig. Substrates such as newspaper, brown paper or potting soil are fine. The recommended depth of substrate is between 2 and 5cm. Juveniles should be given areas with sphagnum moss hides as they are prone to dehydration. Whatever you choose to use as your substrate, care should always be taken when feeding your snake, incase any substrate is ingested. A dry basking area should also be provided as if the snake is unable to dry its ventral scales off then infection may set in.
Brumation
Hognose snakes require a 6 to 8 week brumation period. This usually starts around October time. Snakes should not be fed two weeks prior to brumation. If UV lights are used, they should be turned off during this period as Hognoses brumate in burrows in the wild. They require temperatures of between 12 - 15°C. If your snake starts to look ill or loose body condition, then they should be woken up.
Special Notes
Eastern Hognose Snakes are opisthoglyphous (They are rear fanged). In the wild these rear fangs are used to deflate toads. There is still debate as to if the Hognoses are Venomous or not. Its bite is often compared to a bee sting. Like the Western Hognose the Eastern also plays dead, but in captivity this habit usually stops.
NB Photograph taken by Jeff LeClere and can be found online at http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/reptiles/snakes/e.hognose_snake.html
A good distribution map for this species can be found at http://www.riverwebmuseums.org/field_guide/grasslands/viewer/?id=59
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
Taxonomy Information –
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Heterodon_SP_platirhinos']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/reptiles/snakes/e.hognose_snake.html
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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