Middle American gopher snake (Pituophis lineaticollis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Middle American gopher snake (Pituophis lineaticollis) (origin: Southern Mexico, Guatemala – montane forest). Adult size around 100–140 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Middle American gopher snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 140×70×105 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, bullsnakes and pine snakes).
Middle American gopher snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Middle American gopher snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Middle American gopher snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Middle American gopher snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 140×70×105 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, bullsnakes and pine snakes)
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with leaf litter, a cork hide, a water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice of a suitable size
- Feeding interval
- 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–140 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Southern Mexico, Guatemala – montane forest
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
The southernmost Pituophis species, from cool montane forests. To be kept a little more humid than the prairie species. Rare in Europe and available almost only as captive-bred animals.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Middle American gopher snake (Pituophis lineaticollis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Baja California gopher snake (Pituophis vertebralis) – Intermediate
- Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) – Beginner
- Gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) – Intermediate
- Pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) – Intermediate
- Louisiana pine snake (Pituophis ruthveni) – Intermediate
- Mexican pine snake (Pituophis deppei) – Intermediate
- Northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) – Intermediate
- Black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Middle American gopher snake (Pituophis lineaticollis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 140×70×105 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, bullsnakes and pine snakes)), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter, a cork hide, a water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituophis_lineaticollis, https://thetyedyediguana.com/care-sheets/gopher-bull-pine-snakes-pituophis-spp/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).