Fox's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis foxi)

Short answers

Fox's mountain meadow snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 55×30×20 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes) (about one fifth more floor space for each additional animal).

Fox's mountain meadow snake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–24 °C, basking spot Basking spot 28 °C.

Fox's mountain meadow snake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended.

Fox's mountain meadow snake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–8 years (estimate).

Fox's mountain meadow snake: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

18–24 °C

Night temperature

8–12 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 28 °C

Humidity

50–70 % (mountain meadow, provide dry resting spots)

UVB

Recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 55×30×20 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes) (about one fifth more floor space for each additional animal)

Substrate

Loose soil with sand, grass tufts and pine needle litter, flat stones and bark as hides, a shallow water dish, one slightly moist and one dry side

Feeding

Food

Small earthworms and small slugs as the staple (from untreated ground); small fish pieces if accepted

Feeding interval

adults 2×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

30–42 cm (the only measured type female was 41.9 cm long)

Life expectancy

6–8 years (estimate)

Origin

North-western Mexico: Sierra Madre Occidental in Durango (Mil Diez near El Salto), meadows in pine forest at about 2,600 m

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

Winter rest of 10–12 weeks at 4–8 °C

Cohabitation

Group keeping is possible (a small group of similarly sized animals, several hides). The feeding accident remains the risk: always feed singly, ideally in separate boxes, because two snakes can grab the same worm.

Notes

No keeping experience known; values are derived from the habitat (highland meadows in pine forest at about 2,600 m with cold winters) and from the genus. The species' diet and daily rhythm are not documented. Until 2021 it was listed as Adelophis foxi.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Fox's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis foxi) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Ahumada's alpine garter snake (Thamnophis ahumadai) – Expert
• Bogert's garter snake (Thamnophis bogerti) – Expert
• Butler's garter snake (Thamnophis butleri) – Intermediate
• Cope's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis copei) – Expert
• Yellow-throated garter snake (Thamnophis pulchrilatus) – Expert
• Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) – Beginner
• Godman's garter snake (Thamnophis godmani) – Expert
• Goldenhead garter snake (Thamnophis chrysocephalus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Fox's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis foxi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 55×30×20 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes) (about one fifth more floor space for each additional animal)), substrate (Loose soil with sand, grass tufts and pine needle litter, flat stones and bark as hides, a shallow water dish, one slightly moist and one dry side), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.