The Lavender Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus), with its charming upturned snout and stunning lavender coloration, has captured the hearts of reptile enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Known for its playful behaviors, docile nature, and unique physical features, the Lavender Western Hognose Snake stands out among other pet snakes as a truly fascinating species. This article delves into the captivating world of the Lavender Western Hognose Snake, offering detailed insights into its natural history, care requirements, behavior, and more.
1. What Makes the Lavender Western Hognose Snake Unique?
The Lavender Western Hognose Snake is a color morph of the Western Hognose Snake, which is a species native to North America. While the Western Hognose is a relatively common species, the lavender morph is highly sought after due to its striking appearance. These snakes are known for their gentle, laid-back temperament, making them ideal for snake owners, especially beginners.
The most remarkable feature of the Lavender Western Hognose is, of course, its color. Unlike the wild-type Western Hognose, which has a brown or gray body with darker markings, the Lavender Western Hognose boasts beautiful hues of light lavender, gray, and even pink. This distinct coloration makes them a prized specimen in the pet trade, with collectors and enthusiasts often seeking them out specifically for their unique looks.
Physical Features and Size
Lavender Western Hognose Snakes are relatively small in size compared to other pet snake species. On average, they reach an adult length of 14 to 20 inches (35 to 50 cm), with females tending to be slightly larger than males. Their size makes them an excellent choice for first-time snake owners, as they do not require a large enclosure, nor do they pose any danger due to their manageable size.
The upturned snout is another characteristic feature of the Western Hognose. This unique snout is adapted for burrowing and helps the snake dig through the soil in search of prey or shelter. It’s one of the main reasons why hognose snakes are so endearing to owners—they have a somewhat comical appearance as they dig around their enclosures.
2. The Origin of the Lavender Western Hognose Morph
The Lavender morph of the Western Hognose Snake was selectively bred in captivity. While the wild-type Western Hognose comes in a range of colors, including browns and grays, the lavender hue is the result of a genetic mutation. In captivity, breeders have focused on enhancing and perfecting this coloration, resulting in the Lavender Western Hognose that we see today.
Like many snake morphs, the Lavender Western Hognose is a product of the growing interest in reptile genetics. By selectively breeding snakes that exhibited the lavender coloration, breeders were able to stabilize the gene that produces this unique shade. Over time, this morph became more popular among collectors and pet owners due to its beauty and rarity. However, as with all morphs, it’s important to purchase Lavender Western Hognose Snakes from reputable breeders who prioritize health and genetic integrity to ensure the long-term success and well-being of the snake.
3. Natural Habitat and Behavior
In the wild, Western Hognose Snakes are found throughout parts of North America, particularly in the Great Plains, the Midwest, and parts of Canada and Mexico. They thrive in grasslands, prairies, and scrublands, where they can use their upturned snouts to burrow into loose soil to escape from predators and extreme temperatures.
Despite their burrowing habits, these snakes are not typically aggressive. Instead, they rely on their defensive behaviors to deter threats. The Lavender Western Hognose shares the same behaviors as its wild-type relatives. When feeling threatened, it may flatten its neck to appear larger, hiss loudly, and even strike in the air as a warning. However, if this display fails to ward off the threat, the snake often resorts to its most famous behavior: playing dead.
When a Lavender Western Hognose feels cornered, it may flip onto its back, open its mouth, and excrete a foul-smelling musk, mimicking the appearance and smell of a dead animal. This behavior is an evolutionary adaptation to avoid predation. It’s fascinating to witness this behavior in action, and it’s one of the most entertaining aspects of keeping a Western Hognose as a pet.
Temperament and Handling
Despite their dramatic defensive displays, Lavender Western hognose snake for sale are generally docile and not prone to aggression. These snakes make excellent pets for reptile enthusiasts of all levels. They are especially good for beginners, as they are easy to handle and rarely bite. Their calm demeanor and willingness to tolerate handling make them a great choice for those who want a snake that can be safely and comfortably interacted with.
While they may hiss or puff up as a defense mechanism, the Lavender Western Hognose typically settles down quickly once it realizes there’s no real threat. With regular, gentle handling, these snakes tend to become more accustomed to human contact, making them enjoyable companions.
4. Enclosure Setup and Habitat Needs
Creating an appropriate habitat for your Lavender Western Hognose Snake is crucial to its health and happiness. Fortunately, the care requirements for these snakes are relatively simple, and they do not require an overly complex setup.
Enclosure Size and Type
A 20-gallon tank or a similarly sized enclosure is generally sufficient for an adult Lavender Western Hognose Snake. These snakes don’t require an enormous amount of space, but they do benefit from having enough room to explore, burrow, and find hiding spots. Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof, as Western Hognoses are excellent at finding ways to squeeze through small openings.
You can use a standard glass aquarium or a custom-built enclosure made of wood or plastic. Just make sure that the enclosure is well-ventilated and easy to clean. If you’re using a glass tank, consider adding a secure lid to prevent any escapes.
Substrate
The substrate is an important element of your Lavender Western Hognose’s enclosure. Since these snakes enjoy burrowing, you’ll want to provide a material that is both absorbent and allows for digging. Ideal substrates include aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or coconut fiber. These materials not only support burrowing behavior but also help maintain the correct humidity levels in the enclosure.
Avoid using gravel, sand, or any substrates that could be harmful if ingested or are difficult to clean. Aspen bedding and coconut fiber are popular choices because they are both safe and easy to maintain.
Temperature and Humidity
Lavender Western Hognoses are native to warm, dry environments, so it’s essential to replicate these conditions in their enclosure. The ideal temperature range for these snakes is 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night. A heat lamp or under-tank heater can be used to provide warmth, but be sure to create a temperature gradient so that the snake can regulate its body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas.
In terms of humidity, Western Hognose Snakes do not require a highly humid environment. Aim for humidity levels around 30%-50%, which is consistent with their natural habitat. Make sure that the snake always has access to fresh water, but be cautious about over-wetting the substrate, as excessive humidity can lead to respiratory issues.
Hides and Enrichment
Providing your Lavender Western Hognose with hiding spots is important for its well-being. Snakes are solitary animals that like to retreat to secure areas when they feel stressed or need to rest. Include at least two hides—one in the warmer part of the enclosure and another in the cooler part—to ensure your snake feels safe and secure at all times.
You can use commercial reptile hides, pieces of bark, or even overturned ceramic pots as hiding places. Additionally, consider adding branches, rocks, or artificial plants to provide enrichment and mimic the snake’s natural environment.
5. Feeding and Diet
Lavender Western Hognose Snakes are carnivores, and their diet in captivity typically consists of frozen-thawed rodents such as mice. Their diet may also include amphibians and other small vertebrates, but feeding them appropriately sized rodents is the most common and easiest method.
Feeding Schedule:
Young hognose snakes should be fed every 5-7 days, while adults typically eat once every 7-10 days. When offering prey, ensure that it is no larger than the thickest part of the snake’s body, as overly large meals can cause digestive issues. It’s essential to feed your Lavender Western Hognose on a regular schedule to ensure it remains healthy.
Some hognoses may be finicky eaters, especially when transitioning to captivity. If your snake refuses to eat, consider experimenting with different types of prey, such as switching from mice to rats or offering food in different ways, like using tongs to present the food.
Hydration:
Always provide fresh water in a clean dish. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent the growth of bacteria. Lavender Western Hognoses drink water regularly, so access to hydration is essential for their overall health.
6. Health and Lifespan
Lavender Western Hognose Snakes are generally healthy and hardy reptiles, but like all pets, they can be susceptible to certain health issues if not cared for properly. Common health problems in hognoses include respiratory infections, mites, and problems with shedding. Maintaining proper humidity levels and providing a clean, secure environment will go a long way in preventing these issues.
Lifespan:
In captivity, Lavender Western Hognoses typically live between 10-15 years, with some individuals reaching up to 20 years of age with excellent care. This makes them a long-term commitment, and potential snake owners should be prepared for the responsibilities of caring for a reptile for many years.
Conclusion
The Lavender Western Hognose Snake is a fascinating species that offers both beauty and intrigue to reptile lovers. From its stunning lavender color to its docile temperament and playful behaviors, this snake provides an unforgettable pet experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snake keeper, the Lavender Western Hognose makes an excellent addition to any collection, and with proper care, it will reward you with years of enjoyment and companionship. Understanding its habitat, feeding habits, and behavior is key to providing the best care, ensuring a long and healthy life for your snake.