What is the scientific name of the Sonoran Gopher Snake?

The scientific name of the Sonoran Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer affinis.

Where are Sonoran Gopher Snakes native to?

Sonoran Gopher Snakes are native to Southwest USA and Northern Mexico.

How big do Sonoran Gopher Snakes get?

Adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes typically reach about 4-6 ft length.

How long do Sonoran Gopher Snakes live?

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

What temperatures does a Sonoran Gopher Snake need?

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

What humidity does a Sonoran Gopher Snake need?

Sonoran Gopher Snakes need 30-50% humidity.

Do Sonoran Gopher Snakes need UVB lighting?

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

What size enclosure does a Sonoran Gopher Snake need?

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

What do Sonoran Gopher Snakes eat?

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

Are Sonoran Gopher Snakes good for beginners?

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

Are Sonoran Gopher Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Sonoran Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Sonoran Gopher Snake behavior like?

Common Sonoran 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 Sonoran Gopher Snakes lay eggs?

Yes. Sonoran Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Sonoran Gopher Snake lay?

A Sonoran Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 6-20 eggs.

How long do Sonoran Gopher Snake eggs take to hatch?

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

What is the best substrate for adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes?

Recommended substrates for adult Sonoran 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 Sonoran Gopher Snake?

Recommended enclosures for Sonoran 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 Sonoran Gopher Snake?

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

What heating products does a Sonoran Gopher Snake need?

Recommended heating products for Sonoran 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 Sonoran Gopher Snakes?

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

Sonoran Gopher Snake

Common Name(s)	Sonoran gopher snake
Scientific Name	Pituophis catenifer affinis
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: ~6-20 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	~4-6 ft length
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum) 72”x24”x24” (6 ft adult minimum) 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 Sonoran Gopher Snakes

Adult Sonoran Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

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

Best Enclosures for Adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

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

Best Enclosures for Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Substrates for Juvenile Sonoran Gopher Snakes

RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

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

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Sonoran Gopher Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Sonoran Gopher Snakes

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Sonoran Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis) is a strikingly beautiful and ecologically significant subspecies of the Gopher Snake complex, native to the arid regions of the Sonoran Desert in southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Known for their impressive size and robust build, these snakes can grow up to 7 feet long, making them one of the larger members of their genus. Their coloration typically features a vibrant pattern of yellow or cream with bold, dark brown or black bands that create a striking contrast, providing effective camouflage amidst the desert’s rocky and sandy terrain. This coloration also serves as a warning to potential predators, as their pattern mimics that of more dangerous snakes, such as rattlesnakes. The Sonoran Gopher Snake is highly adapted to the harsh desert environment, with specialized physiological traits that allow it to thrive in extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation.

Behaviorally, the Sonoran Gopher Snake is a versatile and resilient predator. It primarily preys on small mammals, such as rodents, which it captures with its powerful constriction technique. These snakes are known for their impressive burrowing abilities, utilizing natural rodent burrows or digging their own to seek shelter from the harsh desert sun. They are also adept climbers and can often be seen scaling rocks or trees in search of prey or a suitable basking spot. During the cooler months, Sonoran Gopher Snakes enter a state of brumation, a form of hibernation that allows them to conserve energy while surviving the desert's colder temperatures. Their adaptability to diverse microhabitats within their range, coupled with their impressive physical and behavioral adaptations, makes the Sonoran Gopher Snake a fascinating species that plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as both predator and prey.

Native Range

Southwest USA

Northern Mexico

Why ReptiChip?

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Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect sonoran gopher snake bedding for your pet.

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Common Sonoran Gopher Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Sonoran Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer affinis.
: Sonoran Gopher Snakes are native to Southwest USA and Northern Mexico.
: Adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes typically reach about 4-6 ft length.
: Sonoran Gopher Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Sonoran Gopher Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Sonoran Gopher Snakes need 30-50% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Sonoran Gopher Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Sonoran Gopher Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum), 72”x24”x24” (6 ft adult minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Sonoran Gopher Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Frog/Toad, Snakes, Lizards.
: Sonoran Gopher Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Sonoran Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Sonoran 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. Sonoran Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Sonoran Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 6-20 eggs.
: Sonoran Gopher Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Sonoran Gopher Snakes: RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Sonoran Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Sonoran 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 Sonoran Gopher Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Sonoran 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 Sonoran Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Sonoran Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Sonoran Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Sonoran Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.