Pituophis Melanoleucus
"Pine Snake"
Colubridae
Description
This beautiful snake length between 100 cm to more than 230 cm, but usually around 150 cm () long. Their distinct pointed snout is a specialized adaptation for efficient burrowing.
They have an average livespan of 20 years. There is three distinct subspecies under the Pituophis Melanoleucus genus :
P. Melanoleucus Melanoleucus - Northern Pine Snake
They typically has a light beige, almost white color, but it can also be yellowish,/brownish with black and sepia markings patterns, and a white or slighlty yellow belly.
P. Melanoleucus Mugitus - Florida Pine Snake
The markings looks quite similar to the P. Melanoleucus Melanoleucus, but kind of "faded". Their color range is usually composed of white, grey and brown.
P. Melanoleucus Lodingi - Black Pine Snake
A completely black snake. Hatchlings are born with yellow stripes, which disapears when growing up. At adulthood, some may still slightly be seen, but the majority of adult specimens will be obsidian black. (I love them)
One of their most fascinating traits lies in their ability to produce a loud hissing sound, earning the Pituophis spp. the common name of the "Bullsnake". Additionally, these snakes are capable of vibrating their tails to simulate the auditory illusion of a rattlesnake, a unique defense mechanism that helps them ward off potential predators in their natural environment. Although that gave them a very bad reputation, they are relatively calm and dociles when handled.
Natural habitat
Found in pine forests and meadows of the south-east part of the United States, the Pituophis Melanoleucus thrives in sandy soils, where they make their burrows. They are diurnal and terriestrial species, mostly active in the late afternood/early evening.
Maintenance
A 100x50x50 cm () would be the minimum for a single adult specimen. It must be equiped with a water bowl, hide boxes, heat source, a thermometer and a hygrometer. Pine snakes love to dig, so they need a suitable bedding. For bioactive terrariums or just a more natural look, Coconut Fiber is the way to go ! I'd personnally recommand the Plantation Soil from Exo Terra. You can also go with Aspen ; while it's cheaper, it grows mold pretty fast if let wet, so make sure to change it regularely. Add a thick layer of the substrate of your choice, and tons of hiding places. Put a solid log or branch for the Pituophis to climb, and add some branches horizontally ; although it's not imperative, it stimulates and enriches the snake. The humidity needs to be controlled ; It needs to be around 50 to 60%, not above. The day temperature needs to be between 24 to 26°C, with a hot spot at 28°C. The night temperature needs to get lowered down to 20 to 22°C.
Nice plants suited for this terrarium :
Diet
In the wild, they feed on birds, small mammals and eggs primarely. Rodents are fine in captivity. They drink off a water bowl.
Reproduction
Oviparous, the female lays between 4 to 8 eggs per clutch (More for the P. Melanoleucus Melanoleucus)
The Pine Snake has a hibernation period from september to march (approximatively). Coming out of hibernation, the male can get into the female's enclosure. When the eggs are laid, they need to be incubated at 27°C (80,5°F) for approximatively 50 days. When hatched, the newborns length bewteen 35 to 60 cm depending on the subspecie.
Protection status
Least concern, IUCN 3.1
