Trans-Pecos Rat Snake

Looks how to spot one

smooth, shiny scales

A slender-bodied snake with a large, prominent head and noticeably bulging eyes with round black pupils, giving it a slightly 'bug-eyed' appearance. Its tongue is pink. The dorsal scales are arranged in 31-35 rows at midbody, with 260-277 ventral scales and 69-79 subcaudal scales. A distinctive row of small scales (suboculars) sits between the eye and the upper lip scales.15

Personality what they are like

Trans-Pecos rat snakes are known for their placid, mild-mannered disposition. They are inquisitive and bold, rarely showing aggression. When startled they may vibrate their tail tip, release a musk, or coil into a defensive posture, but they seldom bite. They are secretive and primarily nocturnal or active at dawn and dusk.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low exercise needs; enjoy climbing opportunities. Provide a spacious enclosure with branches, logs, and sturdy hides to encourage natural semi-arboreal behaviour.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Spot-clean the enclosure once a week for urates, faeces, and uneaten food. Replace the substrate and disinfect all furnishings every two to three months. Provide a humid hide to assist with shedding. Maintain relatively low humidity (30-50%) overall.2

Home where they are happiest

A secure, escape-proof terrarium is essential. Hatchlings can start in a 10-15 gallon enclosure; adults need at least a 20-40 gallon long tank. Floor space is more important than height. Use a substrate that allows burrowing, such as aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or coconut fibre. Never use pine or cedar shavings as they are toxic. Provide a thermal gradient with a warm side of 80-88°F and a cool side of 75-80°F. UVA/UVB lighting is beneficial but not required. This species comes from an arid environment and is sensitive to high humidity; in areas of high humidity it can become delicate. It is protected by the state of Texas, so only captive-bred specimens should be kept.25

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Feed appropriately sized pre-killed rodents (mice or rats). A general rule is to offer prey items about the same width as the snake’s widest point. Hatchlings and juveniles may occasionally accept small lizards. Avoid live rodents as they can injure the snake. Feeding frequency depends on age, size, and health; monitor weight to prevent obesity. Some individuals may fast for weeks or months, especially in autumn and winter, which is often normal.25

Company who they like around

This is a solitary, non-social species. House individually to avoid stress and competition. It is non-venomous and safe to handle, but may be protected in parts of its native range; check local regulations. In Texas it is a protected species, so only captive-bred individuals should be kept.21

The story where it all began

The Trans-Pecos rat snake (Bogertophis subocularis) was first described by Arthur Erwin Brown in 1901. It has been kept by reptile enthusiasts for many decades, though the exact date of its entry into the herpetocultural hobby is not recorded. Its docile nature and striking natural colour variations quickly made it popular. Over time, captive-bred specimens became widely available after the species was protected in Texas. Today it remains a favourite among snake keepers for its calm temperament and manageable size.21

Recognised by the official bits

Integrated Taxonomic Information System

Accepted as Bogertophis subocularis (Brown, 1901), Trans-Pecos Rat Snake.7

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Recognised as Bogertophis subocularis, Trans-Pecos Rat Snake.8