Imported species record

Source review pending · not a care recommendation

Western Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus · Colubridae

This page preserves an imported legacy dataset record for discovery. Values below are unverified and must not be treated as a ReptBase source-audited husbandry recommendation.

Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) transparent cutout

01 / Imported record summary

Legacy dataset reference only

Imported reference. Source review pending. Do not treat this page as a complete care recommendation. The imported legacy record has not completed a ReptBase section-level source audit.

The imported legacy record states: Small snakes famous for their upturned noses and dramatic 'playing dead' defense behavior.

Imported native region: North America (unverified)

02 / Recorded values

Recorded legacy values

Recorded legacy values below are imported and unverified. They are not ReptBase recommendations.

Imported care-level label
beginner unverified
Imported adult size
Up to 60 cm unverified
Imported lifespan
About 18 years unverified
Imported diet type
carnivore unverified
Imported habitat pattern
desert unverified
Family
Colubridae
Imported enclosure dimensions
90 x 45 x 45 cmImported · unverified · length x width x height
Imported ambient band
75-80°FImported · unverified
Imported basking surface
88-92°FImported · unverified
Imported humidity band
30-50% RHImported · unverified

The imported legacy record states (enclosure): Provide 3-5 inches of aspen bedding for burrowing. They are terrestrial but appreciate low climbing options.

The imported legacy record states (diet): In the wild they eat mostly toads. Pet snakes may need mice scented with toad to start eating.

The imported legacy record states (behavior): Famous for their dramatic 'playing dead' performance. They have a cute upturned snout.

The imported legacy record states (social): Solitary. Cohabitation is stressful and potentially dangerous.

Foods listed in the old dataset imported · unverified

  • Mice (frozen-thawed)

Signs listed in the imported record

  • Clear eyes
  • Active burrowing
  • Good muscle tone
  • Tongue flicking

Imported · unverified

Concern signs listed in the imported record

  • Lethargy
  • Starvation/Weight loss
  • Wheezing

Imported · unverified · not a diagnosis

03 / What has not been verified

This value has not yet completed a ReptBase source audit

  • Enclosure minimums and product recommendations
  • Heating, UVB, humidity and substrate protocols
  • Feeding ratios, schedules and supplementation claims
  • Social-housing claims
  • Health lists as diagnostic guidance
  • Setup-cost figures as live market prices

Do not treat this as a complete care recommendation.

04 / Questions to verify before using the record

Check before acting on any imported value

  • Which primary sources support this enclosure size for the adult animal?
  • Have heat, UVB and humidity been measured in a comparable enclosure?
  • Does a reptile-experienced veterinarian agree the listed signs are actionable?
  • Are diet notes current for the life stage you are planning for?
  • Is a source-audited ReptBase guide available for a better-supported alternative?

05 / General measurement and veterinary safety note

Measure conditions. Seek veterinary care when needed.

Outdoor climate and imported bands do not set enclosure targets. Enclosure dimensions, materials, ventilation, heat-source distance, thermostat control and measured warm/cool sides change every decision.

This is not a diagnosis. Sudden weakness, breathing difficulty, seizures, major injury or collapse warrants urgent contact with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.

06 / Editorial status

Imported species record

Current statusImported species record
Detailed source reviewPending
Page typeSpecies record · not a care recommendation