What is the scientific name of the Trans-Pecos Rat Snake?

The scientific name of the Trans-Pecos Rat Snake is Bogertophis subocularis.

What are other common names for the Trans-Pecos Rat Snake?

The Trans-Pecos Rat Snake is also known as Trans Pecos ratsnake and Davis Mountain ratsnake.

Where are Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes native to?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are native to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

How big do Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes get?

Adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes typically reach about 3-4 ft.

How long do Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes live?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake need?

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

What humidity does a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake need?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes need 30-50% humidity.

Do Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft minimum), 60”x24”x24” (5 ft 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 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes eat?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks.

Are Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes good for beginners?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Trans-Pecos Rat Snake behavior like?

Common Trans-Pecos Rat Snake behavior traits: Skittish when young; Docile unless provoked; Semi-arboreal; Warm up easily with consistent and confident handling; Do not skimp on size or height for adults final enclosure; Active colubrid that will climb if given the opportunity; Calm disposition; Strong feeding response; High metabolism.

Do Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes lay eggs?

Yes. Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake lay?

A Trans-Pecos Rat Snake clutch is typically about 4-12 eggs.

How long do Trans-Pecos Rat Snake eggs take to hatch?

Trans-Pecos Rat Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for sub-adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes?

Recommended substrates for sub-adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best substrate for adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes?

Recommended substrates for adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake?

Recommended enclosures for Trans-Pecos Rat 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 Trans-Pecos Rat Snake?

Recommended lighting products for Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake need?

Recommended heating products for Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors 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 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Trans Pecos Ratsnake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Trans Pecos Ratsnake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Trans Pecos Rat Snake

Common Name(s)	Trans Pecos ratsnake Davis Mountain ratsnake
Scientific Name	Bogertophis subocularis
Behavior	Nocturnal (active at night) Skittish when young Docile unless provoked Semi-arboreal Warm up easily with consistent and confident handling Do not skimp on size or height for adults final enclosure Active colubrid that will climb if given the opportunity Calm disposition Strong feeding response High metabolism
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~4-12 eggs Incubation: ~60-70 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	~3-4 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft minimum) 60”x24”x24” (5 ft 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

Filter by age:

Best Substrates for Adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

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

Best Enclosures for Adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Subadult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

Subadult Trans Pecos Ratsnake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

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

Best Enclosures for Subadult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Substrates for Juvenile Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Trans Pecos Ratsnake (Bogertophis subocularis) is a fascinating species native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, including parts of Texas and New Mexico. As well as in the northeastern parts of Mexico, particularly the state of Chihuahua Renowned for its striking coloration and patterns, this snake exhibits a variable palette of hues ranging from reddish-brown to gray, adorned with dark bands that provide effective camouflage against its desert surroundings. Its name, "subocularis," refers to the distinctive dark stripe that extends from its eye to the jawline, adding to its unique appearance. Adapted to the harsh conditions of its environment, the Trans Pecos Ratsnake is highly resilient, capable of thriving in a range of habitats from rocky outcrops to desert scrublands. Its ability to blend seamlessly with its surroundings helps it evade predators and hunt effectively for its prey.

In terms of behavior, the Trans Pecos Ratsnake is predominantly terrestrial but exhibits excellent climbing skills, which it uses to its advantage when seeking shelter or hunting. This species primarily preys on small mammals, lizards, and occasionally birds, using constriction to subdue its catch. Although generally shy and reclusive, the Trans Pecos Ratsnake can display a defensive posture if threatened, hissing and striking to ward off perceived threats. Despite its somewhat elusive nature, it plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations within its habitat. In captivity, the Trans Pecos Ratsnake is known for its manageable size and relatively easy care, making it a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts interested in a snake that showcases the unique traits of the American Southwest.

Native Range

Southwestern United States

Northern Mexico

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Common Trans-Pecos Rat Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Trans-Pecos Rat Snake is Bogertophis subocularis.
: The Trans-Pecos Rat Snake is also known as Trans Pecos ratsnake and Davis Mountain ratsnake.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are native to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
: Adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes typically reach about 3-4 ft.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes need 30-50% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Trans-Pecos Rat Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft minimum), 60”x24”x24” (5 ft minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Trans-Pecos Rat Snake behavior traits: Skittish when young; Docile unless provoked; Semi-arboreal; Warm up easily with consistent and confident handling; Do not skimp on size or height for adults final enclosure; Active colubrid that will climb if given the opportunity; Calm disposition; Strong feeding response; High metabolism.
: Yes. Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Trans-Pecos Rat Snake clutch is typically about 4-12 eggs.
: Trans-Pecos Rat Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-70 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: RediChip Premium Medium Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use, ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for Trans-Pecos Rat 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 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors 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 Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Trans Pecos Ratsnake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Trans Pecos Ratsnake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.