Malagasy giant hognose (Leioheterodon madagascariensis)

Short answers

Malagasy giant hognose: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 180×90×90 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar colubrids, capable of burrowing, front-opening).

Malagasy giant hognose: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Malagasy giant hognose: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1–2) recommended.

Malagasy giant hognose: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 15–20 years (figures from captivity vary).

Malagasy giant hognose: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

30–33 °C

Humidity

50–60 %

UVB

UVB not essential, weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1–2) recommended

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 180×90×90 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar colubrids, capable of burrowing, front-opening)

Substrate

Deep, mostly dry digging substrate (a sand-soil mix or forest floor), 10–15 cm for digging

Feeding

Food

Rodents (mice), occasionally quail or chicks and frogs; a powerful feeder

Feeding interval

adults every 7–10 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size

130–180 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 15–20 years (figures from captivity vary)

Origin

Madagascar (endemic), dry forest and open habitats

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; wild-caught animals do occur – look for German captive breeding (DNZ) and proof of origin

Brumation

No strict winter rest; a slight seasonal drop in temperature and humidity is possible

Cohabitation

Keep singly — a burrowing, very feeding-motivated, rear-fanged natricine with a risk of feeding rivalry or cannibalism; rival combat between males is also documented. Isolated keeper reports of communal housing exist but are not standard; only bring animals together under supervision for breeding.

Notes

Opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged); the venom is not medically significant to humans, but effects are possible from a bite (swelling) – handle it carefully. A burrowing species; it needs deep substrate and hiding options. The life expectancy and humidity figures differ somewhat by source.

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Related species

• Blonde hognose snake (Leioheterodon modestus) – Intermediate
• Geay's hognose snake (Leioheterodon geayi) – Intermediate
• Mexican hognose snake (Heterodon kennerlyi) – Beginner
• Eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) – Intermediate
• Southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) – Intermediate
• Tricolor hognose snake (Xenodon pulcher) – Intermediate
• Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) – Beginner
• Common egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Malagasy giant hognose (Leioheterodon madagascariensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 180×90×90 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, Madagascar colubrids, capable of burrowing, front-opening)), substrate (Deep, mostly dry digging substrate (a sand-soil mix or forest floor), 10–15 cm for digging), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.