Arabian Sand Boa

Looks how to spot one

scales

A small, stout snake with a blunt, wedge-shaped head and very tiny eyes placed on top of the head, an adaptation for seeing while the rest of the body is buried in sand. The body is covered in smooth scales.1

Personality what they are like

Arabian sand boas are generally calm and slow-moving, rarely biting. When threatened they prefer to roll into a ball rather than strike. They can be nervous at first and may burrow away from you, but with gentle, patient handling they become accustomed to human presence.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal; spends the day buried in sand and becomes active at dusk. In captivity it does not require a large space to exercise, but it does need deep, loose substrate to burrow in.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low maintenance. Spot clean the enclosure weekly for waste and uneaten food. Replace substrate and disinfect the enclosure every 2 to 3 months. Provide a humid hide to assist with shedding.5

Home where they are happiest

A 15 to 20 gallon long terrarium for an adult, with a secure, escape-proof lid. Use a deep layer of fine aspen shavings, crushed walnut shells, or play sand for burrowing. Never use pine or cedar shavings as they are toxic. Provide a thermal gradient: cool side 75-82°F, warm side 85-92°F. Maintain low to moderate humidity (30-50%). Include a sturdy water bowl and hiding spots. UVA/UVB lighting is optional but beneficial.45

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Feed frozen-thawed mice of appropriate size (no wider than the snake's widest part). Live prey is not recommended as it can injure the snake. Feed at night, as they are nocturnal. Neonates may need scenting with lizard to accept mice.45

Company who they like around

Solitary; do not house with other snakes. It is not venomous and is legal to keep as a pet in most places, but always check local regulations. Its small size and docile nature make it suitable for beginners.4

The story where it all began

The Arabian sand boa was first described scientifically in the 19th century and named after Atmaram Sadashiv Jayakar, an Indian surgeon and naturalist. For many years it was rarely seen in captivity because few were exported from the Arabian Peninsula and those that were often refused to eat mice. Recently, more have become available to hobbyists, and captive breeding has revealed that this species lays eggs, unlike most other sand boas which give live birth. This unique trait has led some experts to suggest it may belong in its own genus.12