Mexican Hognose Snake

Looks how to spot one

Keeled scales

A thick-bodied, stocky snake with an upturned, shovel-like snout. The dorsal scales are keeled, giving a rough texture. The head is large but barely distinct from the neck. The belly is checkered with large rectangular yellow-orange and black blotches, sometimes nearly solid black.21

Personality what they are like

Generally calm and slow-moving, but when threatened it puts on an elaborate show: it flattens its neck, hisses loudly, and makes false strikes. If that does not work, it flops over, opens its mouth, hangs out its tongue, and plays dead, sometimes even regurgitating or smearing itself with waste. It rarely actually bites a human.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Crepuscular and diurnal, most active in the mornings and evenings. It spends much of its time burrowing or hiding underground. In captivity it needs a secure enclosure with deep substrate for digging.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. Provide a clean water bowl large enough for soaking. Spot-clean the enclosure regularly. Shedding is aided by a humid hide or slightly increased humidity. Handle gently and infrequently to avoid stress.3

Home where they are happiest

A terrarium with a warm side around 30-32°C (86-90°F) and a cooler side around 24-26°C (75-78°F). Deep, loose substrate such as sand-soil mix or aspen shavings for burrowing. Provide hiding spots and a shallow water dish. Humidity moderate, around 40-50%. A temperature gradient is essential.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild it eats toads, frogs, lizards, small snakes, rodents, reptile eggs, and insects. In captivity it can be fed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice. It is rear-fanged and mildly venomous, but the venom is not dangerous to humans; it helps subdue prey.241

Company who they like around

Solitary. Do not house two Mexican Hognose Snakes together as they may compete or fight. It is a rear-fanged, mildly venomous species; the venom is not considered dangerous to humans but may cause local swelling. Handle with respect.23

The story where it all began

The Mexican Hognose Snake was originally described as a subspecies of the Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi) but was later elevated to full species status based on scale characteristics. It was named after Caleb Burwell Rowan Kennerly, a US Army surgeon who collected reptiles in the mid-1800s. It has become a popular pet due to its small size, dramatic defensive behaviours, and relatively simple care requirements.56

Recognised by the official bits

ITIS

Taxonomic serial number 2091657

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Listed as Heterodon kennerlyi8