Sonoran Gopher Snake het Patternless Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis)

Common Name: Sonoran Gopher Snake
Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer affinis
Source: CB
Adult Size: 120–180cm (4–6ft), occasionally larger
Native Range: South-western USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada) and northern Mexico

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for adults; larger specimens will appreciate a 180×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium. Provide a deep, loose substrate (aspen or sandy loam mix) to allow digging, multiple secure hides at both the warm and cool ends, and some low decor for enrichment.
Heating: Basking spot of 32°C; ambient cool side of 22–24°C; night-time drop to 18–20°C is acceptable and beneficial.
Humidity: Low — 30–50%. Achieved easily in a well-ventilated PVC vivarium with a dry substrate; a small damp hide can be offered during shedding.
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 25–35cm from it. Although gopher snakes are not dedicated baskers, access to UVB supports natural vitamin D3 synthesis and overall wellbeing.
Diet: Pre-killed or frozen/thawed mice and rats appropriate to the snake's girth. Juveniles typically feed weekly; adults every 10–14 days. Gopher snakes tend to be robust, enthusiastic feeders.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Sonoran Gopher Snake is a large, powerful colubrid (non-venomous snake) from the arid scrublands, grasslands, and desert margins of the American south-west. Bold patterning, impressive size, and a hardy constitution have made them a firm favourite among keepers who want a visually striking, rewarding snake without the complexity of more demanding species.

Despite an initial reputation for feistiness as hatchlings, Sonoran Gopher Snakes generally settle into calm, handleable animals with regular, gentle interaction — making them an excellent choice for intermediate keepers ready to step up from a beginner species. The het patternless gene adds an exciting breeding prospect for anyone interested in exploring Pituophis genetics.