What is the scientific name of the San Diego Gopher Snake?

The scientific name of the San Diego Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer annectens.

Where are San Diego Gopher Snakes native to?

San Diego Gopher Snakes are native to United States, Southwest California, and Northwest Baja California.

How big do San Diego Gopher Snakes get?

Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes typically reach 4-5 ft length.

How long do San Diego Gopher Snakes live?

San Diego Gopher Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a San Diego Gopher Snake need?

Recommended temperatures for a San Diego Gopher Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.

What humidity does a San Diego Gopher Snake need?

San Diego Gopher Snakes need 30-50% humidity.

Do San Diego Gopher Snakes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits San Diego Gopher Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a San Diego Gopher Snake need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a San Diego Gopher Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum), 72”x24”x24” (ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do San Diego Gopher Snakes eat?

San Diego Gopher Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Frog/Toad, Snakes, Lizards.

Are San Diego Gopher Snakes good for beginners?

San Diego Gopher Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are San Diego Gopher Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

San Diego Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).

What is San Diego Gopher Snake behavior like?

Common San Diego Gopher Snake behavior traits: Defensive/skittish when young; Strong feeding response; Warm up easily with consistent handling; They will hiss very loudly when upset; Active when given space; When kept too hot they are not active; Powerful colubrids.

Do San Diego Gopher Snakes lay eggs?

Yes. San Diego Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a San Diego Gopher Snake lay?

A San Diego Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 2-24 eggs.

How long do San Diego Gopher Snake eggs take to hatch?

San Diego Gopher Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult San Diego Gopher Snakes?

Recommended substrates for adult San Diego Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for a San Diego Gopher Snake?

Recommended enclosures for San Diego Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a San Diego Gopher Snake?

Recommended lighting products for San Diego Gopher Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a San Diego Gopher Snake need?

Recommended heating products for San Diego Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for San Diego Gopher Snakes?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for San Diego Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

San Diego Gopher Snake

Common Name(s)	San Diego Gopher Snake
Scientific Name	Pituophis catenifer annectens
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Defensive/skittish when young Strong feeding response Warm up easily with consistent handling They will hiss very loudly when upset Active when given space When kept too hot they are not active Powerful colubrids
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~2-24 eggs Incubation: ~60-80 days
Lifespan	~15-20+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 85-90°F basking spot
Humidity	30-50%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	4-5 ft length
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum) 72”x24”x24” (ideally) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous: Whole Prey Rodents Quail Chicks Frog/Toad Snakes Lizards

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes

Adult San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 120 Gallon 48x24x24 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 80W – 22.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Subadult San Diego Gopher Snakes

Subadult San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult San Diego Gopher Snakes

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult San Diego Gopher Snakes

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult San Diego Gopher Snakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Subadult San Diego Gopher Snakes

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 40W – 12.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Substrates for Juvenile San Diego Gopher Snakes

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile San Diego Gopher Snakes

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x18, 34 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile San Diego Gopher Snakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile San Diego Gopher Snakes

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The San Diego Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer annectens) is a fascinating subspecies known for its impressive mimicry and adaptability. One of the most interesting behaviors of this snake is its ability to mimic the venomous rattlesnake, both in appearance and behavior. When threatened, the San Diego Gopher Snake will flatten its head, coil its body, and vibrate its tail, producing a rattling sound if it’s in contact with dry leaves or similar material. This mimicry is highly effective in deterring potential predators, as many animals will avoid a snake that resembles a rattlesnake. Despite this intimidating display, the San Diego Gopher Snake is non-venomous and poses no real threat to humans.

Another notable aspect of the San Diego Gopher Snake is its remarkable adaptability to various habitats within its range. Found primarily in Southern California, including the coastal regions and inland valleys, this subspecies thrives in diverse environments such as grasslands, chaparral, and even agricultural areas. Their diet is equally versatile, consisting of small mammals, birds, eggs, and occasionally other reptiles. This adaptability makes the San Diego Gopher Snake a vital part of the ecosystem, helping control rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance. Their ability to thrive in both natural and human-modified landscapes showcases their resilience and the important role they play in the local environment.

Native Range

United States

Southwest California

Northwest Baja California

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Common San Diego Gopher Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the San Diego Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer annectens.
: San Diego Gopher Snakes are native to United States, Southwest California, and Northwest Baja California.
: Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes typically reach 4-5 ft length.
: San Diego Gopher Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a San Diego Gopher Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: San Diego Gopher Snakes need 30-50% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits San Diego Gopher Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a San Diego Gopher Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum), 72”x24”x24” (ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: San Diego Gopher Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Frog/Toad, Snakes, Lizards.
: San Diego Gopher Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: San Diego Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common San Diego Gopher Snake behavior traits: Defensive/skittish when young; Strong feeding response; Warm up easily with consistent handling; They will hiss very loudly when upset; Active when given space; When kept too hot they are not active; Powerful colubrids.
: Yes. San Diego Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A San Diego Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 2-24 eggs.
: San Diego Gopher Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile San Diego Gopher Snakes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult San Diego Gopher Snakes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult San Diego Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for San Diego Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for San Diego Gopher Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for San Diego Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for San Diego Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult San Diego Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.