Goldenhead garter snake (Thamnophis chrysocephalus)

Short answers

Goldenhead garter snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 70×40×30 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair).

Goldenhead garter snake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–27 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 14–18 °C.

Goldenhead garter snake: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

Goldenhead garter snake: How long do they live?

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

Goldenhead garter snake: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–27 °C

Night temperature

14–18 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 30–32 °C

Humidity

55–70 % (one slightly moist corner, well ventilated)

UVB

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

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 70×40×30 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair)

Substrate

Coco humus or a soil-sand mix, cool side slightly moist, leaf litter, bark and flat rocks as hides, a water bowl

Feeding

Food

Earthworms, low-thiaminase fish (with vitamin B1), thawed pinkie mice; what the species eats in the wild is barely studied

Feeding interval

adults 1×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

about 40–55 cm (guide value, species-specific measurements are lacking in the sources)

Life expectancy

8–10 years (estimate based on the genus)

Origin

Endemic to southern Mexico (Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz), mountain regions

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 and the keeping of related highland species)

Cohabitation

In pairs or singly, with roughly equal-sized animals; experience on compatibility is lacking, and cannibalism has occurred in related Mexican highland species. Always feed singly, ideally in separate boxes.

Notes

Hardly any captive experience; the values are derived from the habitat and from close relatives. A highland species: better a cool side around 20 °C than constant warmth.

Do you keep this species?

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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
• Godman's garter snake (Thamnophis godmani) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Goldenhead garter snake (Thamnophis chrysocephalus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 70×40×30 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair)), substrate (Coco humus or a soil-sand mix, cool side slightly moist, leaf litter, bark and flat rocks 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.