Godman's garter snake (Thamnophis godmani)

Short answers

Godman's garter snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 75×45×30 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair).

Godman's garter snake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–26 °C, basking spot Basking spot 28–32 °C, at night 12–16 °C.

Godman's garter snake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB tube above the basking spot, as for all diurnal garter snakes).

Godman's garter snake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–10 years (estimate based on the genus).

Godman's garter snake: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

18–26 °C

Night temperature

12–16 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 28–32 °C

Humidity

60–80 % (cloud and pine-oak forest; still well ventilated)

UVB

Recommended (UVB tube above the basking spot, as for all diurnal garter snakes)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 75×45×30 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair)

Substrate

Forest floor of soil and coco humus with leaf litter and moss, cool side moist, flat rocks and pieces of wood as hides, a water bowl

Feeding

Food

Earthworms, low-thiaminase fish (with vitamin B1), thawed pinkie mice; what the species eats in the wild has not been studied

Feeding interval

adults 1×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

about 45–60 cm (type specimen 61 cm, of which 15 cm tail)

Life expectancy

8–10 years (estimate based on the genus)

Origin

The Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero (Mexico), about 1770–2440 m; older records from Oaxaca, Puebla and Veracruz partly belong to species split off since

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

Short rest period of 6–8 weeks at 12–16 °C with a few hours of basking per day (derived from the montane climate; a cold winter rest is not needed)

Cohabitation

In pairs or singly, with roughly equal-sized animals: in the related longtail alpine garter snake, large females have eaten smaller cage mates, and experience with this species is lacking. Always feed singly, ideally in separate boxes.

Notes

Hardly any captive experience; the values are derived from the habitat and from close relatives. A montane forest species: copes poorly with heat and needs a cool, moist side.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Godman's garter snake (Thamnophis godmani) 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
• Fox's mountain meadow snake (Thamnophis foxi) – Expert
• Yellow-throated garter snake (Thamnophis pulchrilatus) – Expert
• Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) – Beginner
• Goldenhead garter snake (Thamnophis chrysocephalus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Godman's garter snake (Thamnophis godmani) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 75×45×30 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair)), substrate (Forest floor of soil and coco humus with leaf litter and moss, cool side moist, flat rocks and pieces of wood as hides, a water bowl), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.