Southern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)

Common Name: Southern Pine Snake / Eastern Pine Snake
Scientific Name: Pituophis melanoleucus
Source: CB

Adult Size: Typically 120–180+cm
Native Range: Southeastern USA 

Enclosure: Secure terrestrial vivarium with deep, diggable substrate; minimum 120 × 60 × 60 cm for an adult
Heating: Basking spot 30–32 °C; warm side mid-20s °C; cool side low-20s °C; night drop 20–22 °C

Humidity: Around 40–60% with strong ventilation; offer a humid hide if sheds are dry

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

Water: Fresh water bowl, changed regularly (many will soak at times)

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Pine snakes are powerful, terrestrial colubrids built for a life of digging: a reinforced, shovel-like snout, heavy body, and a strong instinct to burrow and “tunnel” under hides and décor.

In the wild they’re tied to open pine habitats and other sandy, well-drained landscapes, where they use underground refuges for shelter and nesting. In captivity they tend to be most confident when they can disappear into deep substrate and tight hides, then come out to patrol their space.

Like other Pituophis, they can put on an impressive bluff display when startled hissing, inflating, and vibrating the tail then settle once they feel secure. A roomy enclosure with solid locks, good airflow, and plenty of digging opportunity usually brings out the most natural behaviour.