Sumichrast's garter snake (Thamnophis sumichrasti)

Short answers

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

From 80×50×35 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, garter snakes; clearly more floor space for a pair).

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

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 30–32 °C

Humidity

60–75 % (montane forest and wetlands; one moist corner, well ventilated)

UVB

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

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 80×50×35 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, kept moist in places, leaf litter and moss, several hides on the warm and cool side, a large shallow water basin

Feeding

Food

Low-thiaminase fish (with vitamin B1), earthworms, thawed pinkie mice, if needed scented with fish; in the wild probably mainly amphibians – documented is the capture of a toad (Incilius cristatus)

Feeding interval

adults 2×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

about 45–65 cm (guide value from close relatives, species-specific measurements are lacking)

Life expectancy

8–10 years (estimate based on the genus)

Origin

Endemic to eastern and southern Mexico (Hidalgo, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

Short rest period of 6–8 weeks at 15–18 °C (derived from the montane climate; a cold winter rest as for northern species is not needed)

Cohabitation

In pairs or singly, with roughly equal-sized animals: in the closely 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. Wild-caught animals are off limits because of the protection status in Mexico.

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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 Sumichrast's garter snake (Thamnophis sumichrasti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 80×50×35 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, kept moist in places, leaf litter and moss, several hides on the warm and cool side, a large shallow water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.