Sonoran Gopher Snake het Patternless Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis)

Common Name: Sonoran Gopher Snake (het Patternless)
Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer affinis
Source: CB25

Adult Size: Typically 120-180 cm total length (varies by line/sex)
Native Range: Southwestern USA into northern Mexico (Sonoran region)

Enclosure: Secure terrestrial vivarium; minimum 120 × 60 × 60 cm for an adult, larger recommended
Heating: Basking end 30–32 °C; cool end 24–26 °C; night around 20-22 °C

Humidity: 40% - 60%

Diet: Frozen-thawed rodents; juveniles often weekly, adults typically every 7-10 days (adjust to body condition)

Water: Fresh water bowl on the cool side, changed regularly

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Sonoran gopher snake is a bold, terrestrial Pituophis from arid and semi-arid landscapes, well known for its bluff displays loud hissing and tail vibration when startled. Once settled, many become confident, active enclosure “patrollers”, and they make full use of burrowing opportunities thanks to a tough, shovel-like nose.

“Het patternless” means this snake carries one copy of a recessive patternless gene; it will look normal but can produce patternless offspring if paired to another carrier or a visual patternless.

Expect a strong feeding response and a curious temperament, with behaviour that suits a spacious, well-ventilated setup and plenty of cover.