Tricolour Hognose Snake
Size
Adults typically reach a total length of 1.5 to 2 feet (45 to 60 cm). Males will weigh between 70 – 120 grams, but females are a lot bigger, weighing between 150 – 250+ grams.
Habitat and Distribution
The Tricolour Hognose Snake is native to the Gran Chaco bioregion of southern South America. Its natural distribution spans across four countries: Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and parts of southwestern Brazil. They inhabit arid to semi-arid environments like dry scrublands, savannas, grasslands, and sparse tropical woodlands, typically found near temporary or permanent water sources.
Age
They can live up to 7 – 8 years.
Diet
They are carnivores. In the wild, they are specialized feeders that primarily consume amphibians (like frogs and toads), lizards, and reptile eggs.
Groups and Breeding
They are strictly solitary. They do not have social groups, form packs, or interact with other snakes socially. In fact, keeping them together is dangerous and causes extreme stress, territory disputes, and a high risk of cannibalism. Tricolour Hognose Snakes exhibit fascinating and distinct mating habits that rely on both temperature-based cycling (brumation) and highly active courtship behaviors.
Threats
This species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, however, the Tricolour Hognose Snake still faces several key threats in its native South American habitats. These include habitat destruction from agriculture and urban expansion, road mortality, and predation by mammals and bird.
Interesting Facts
They pull off a brilliant evolutionary bluff. Native to South America, they sport striking red, black, and white bands that perfectly mimic the highly venomous Coral Snake to scare off predators, despite being completely harmless.
During Your Day Out in Kent
You can find this species in our Reptile House, along with many other species of snakes, frogs, caiman and more!