Lemon Ghost Conda Hognose (Heterodon nasicus)

Common Name: Western Hognose Snake (Lemon Ghost Conda)
Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus
Sex: Unsexed
Source: CB

Adult Size: Typically 36–90cm 
Native Range: Central North America

Enclosure: Front-opening, escape-proof viv/terrarium; minimum 90 × 45 × 45cm with deep, diggable substrate
Heating: Basking zone 28-30 °C; mid-range 24 °C; night drop with a minimum around 16 °C

Humidity: 30–50% with good airflow; keep most moisture in the lower substrate and offer a slightly damp hide area

UVB: Low-level UVB recommended on the basking side, with shaded areas available

Diet: Frozen/thawed mice; one a week

Water: Fresh water bowl available at all times, changed regularly

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Western hognoses are compact, fossorial snakes built for life in loose soils, with an upturned “spade” snout that makes burrowing effortless.

In a well-set-up enclosure they’ll spend a lot of time tunnelling, surfacing to explore, then disappearing again. They’re diurnal to crepuscular, with activity often peaking in the morning and late afternoon.

“Lemon Ghost” is used in the hobby for clean, bright tones with reduced dark pigment, while “Conda” typically refers to a pattern-reducing look (more solid, less blotched).

Expect the colour and contrast to develop with age and sheds, especially as the snake puts on size.