The tiny, light brown, hardly venomous blunt-headed tree snake is native to South America, Central America, and Mexico.
One of the simpler tree-dwelling snake species to maintain in captivity is this one. However, because most specimens are wild-caught and have particular food requirements, the snake is not advised for beginners.
Overview of the Blunt-Headed Tree Snake
| Common name | Blunt-headed tree snake, blunt-headed tree snake, fiddle-string snake, mapepire corde violon |
| Scientific name | Imantodes cenchoa |
| natural setting | In humid areas like rainforests in Mexico, Central America, and South America, there is dense, low vegetation. |
| Adult size | 30–35 inches |
| typical life span | around ten years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Housing | Minimum 40 gallons, 70–89 °F, and 75%–85% humidity |
| Experience level | Intermediate |
Origin
Imantodes cenchoa, a species of blunt-headed tree snake, is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. The snake has a wide range in the wild and prefers low, dense foliage in wet environments like rainforests.
Arboreal, or living mostly in trees, blunt-headed tree snakes have an expanded middorsal scale row that aids in stability when ascending. The snakes’ weak venom is used to immobilize swiftly moving prey.
Manifestation and conduct
The body of the blunt-headed tree snake is long and slender, and its broad, short head is blunted at the end. Large eyes that occupy more than a quarter of the snake’s head and vertical pupil slits that allow it to stare downward give this snake a frightening appearance.
The blunt-headed tree snake has a pale stomach (or ventral surface), a pale brown top (or dorsal surface), and between 30 and 60 patches of dark brown color running from the head to the tail.
The precise origin of the snake has an impact on the sexual dimorphism seen in males and females. Male blunt-headed tree snakes in the northern hemisphere have longer tails than females. The tails of male southern snakes are shorter than those of females.
Size and Duration
A blunt-headed tree snake can grow up to 4 feet 11 inches in total length, with an average length of 30 to 35 inches.
The life expectancy of blunt-headed tree snakes is uncertain; however, it is thought to be between 6 and 10 years for a snake in the wild.
Temperament
The gentle, lonesome blunt-headed tree snake prefers to live alprefersd is a docile species. The snake likes to climb and explore from above. Since they are often trapped in the wild, blunt-headed tree snakes find it difficult to adjust to captivity. It is not suggested to handle the snake because it can bite when stressed.
Nocturnal, or most active at night, blunt-headed tree snakes spend the most of th day curled up in a resting position in shaded locations.
Related reading: https://thereptilebay.com/desert-kingsnake/
Blunt-Headed Tree Snakes’ habitat
In and around South America, thickly forested rainforests are the blunt-headed tree snake’s natural environment. To ensure the snake is at ease in captivity, try to accurately replicate the snake’s surroundings inside the enclosure.
Keep blunt-headed tree snakes in a wooden vivarium with good ventilation since it retains heat better than other types of enclosure materials.
Case dimensions
A blunt-headed tree snake enclosure should be at least 40 gallons in size. The enclosure needs to be at least 24 inches high because the snake wants to climb. The tank should be at least 15 inches wide and 15 inches deep.
Lighting
Because they spend the most of their time in the shade and are most active at night, blunt-headed tree snakes don’t need the sun’s UVB rays to absorb calcium. The snake kept in captivity does not require any special illumination.
To help the snake distinguish between day and night, place the enclosure in a room with a window that provides at least eight hours of daylight each day.
Thermodynamics ahumidityity
Blunt-headed snakes rely on their surroundings to control their body temperature because they are unable to manufacture their own heat. The precise temperature and humidity needs of this snake are unknown, however it is likely that they are the same as those of other arboreal snakes from the South American jungle.
In the tank, create two distinct spaces. The temperature in one region should be between 85 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit for basking. To encourage the cold evening temperatures after sunset, turn off the basking lamp at night. Use a basking lamp to raise the warmth of the basking area.
The cool end of the tank, where the temperature should be between 70 and 75°F, should be the other location in the tank. Reduce the temperature to 65°itle using a thermometer to measure the temperature.
In order to replicate the moist, humid climate that the blunt-headed tree snake is used to in the wild and to aid the snake in shedding, the recommended humidity for a blunt-headed tree snake enclosure is between 75% and 85%. Hygrometers can be used to measure humidity. Spray the cage with room-temperature water several times each day if the humidity is too low.
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Substance and Adornment
Soft substrates that hold moisture, like aspen bedding and Cypress mulch, are appropriate substrates for a blunt-headed tree snakcypress The blunt-headed tree snake prefers to climb, yet it will occasionaly descend to the ground to drink. To protect the snake’s skin, the substrate needs to be non-abrasive.
For this type of snake, branches are the most significant ornaments. The cage needs to contain at least two substantial, intersecting branches that extend from the bottom corners to the opposing top corners since blunt-headed tree snakes can climb small trees in the wild.
In order to replicate the dense jungle environment seen in the snake’s natural home, artificial foliage, reptile vines, spider plants, or jade plants are used to create shaded areas for the snake to rest. To lend a natural sensgive it the enclosure, rocks and caverns might be placed.
Cleaning
The enclosure of a blunt-headed tree snake needs to be deep cleaned at least once per week and spot cleaned at least once each day.
To spot-cleanthe enclosure, remove any leftover food and filthy substrate before covering those areas with fresh substrate. The water bowl should be taken out, cleaned, and then filled with clean water.
Access to the entire tank is necessary for thorough cleaning of an enclosure. If required, use snake-Handling tongs to gently move the snake to a temporary enclosure. Remove the substrate from the tank and empty it. Plants should be cleaned, and decorations should be soaked in warm, soapy water. Scrub the tank’s interior with a sponge dipped in water and dish soap.
Dry the cage after you’re finished, then reapply a layer of srate to the bottom. Return the snake after you’ve retdecorations,idy decorations and plants.
Never use cleaning agents with chemicals that could harm a snake’s respiratory system. A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar works well for removing stubborn stains.
Care for Blunt-Headed Tree Snakes
Blunt-headed tree snakes require a specific diet, are sensitive to stress, and are challenging to care for in captivity.
Water andwater
Amphibians and young lizards make up the blunt-headed tree snake’s food in the wild. In captivity, follow this food exactly. Every ten days, feed the geckos and anoles in the snake feeder, being sure to leave out enough food for the snake to finish in 20 minutes.
Every seven days, give young snakes a meal of Dubia roaches, super worms, and small lizards.
You shouldn’t try to feed rats or mice to blunt-headed tree snakes since their necks are thinner than those of most other snakes.
This type of snake requires continuous access to a clean water source. To enable the snake to sip wmidwayom a height in the enclosure, think about adding a water bowl halfway up the wall. If your tank arrangement prevents you from using an elevated water bowl, a water bowl on the enclosure’s floor will do.
Handling
Since most blunt-headed tree snakes are caught in the wild, they are not domesticated or accustomed to being around people. Only handle snakes when absolutely necessary, such as during enclosure changes and health inspections, as handling stresses the reptiles out.
Typicalhealthhissuesems
The potential health problems that a captive blunt-headed tree snake is susceptible to are not well understood. The snake is probably suffering from common health issues like Mites and respiratory infections that plague all ,akes kept in warm, humid environments.
Mites
Small, parasitic black mites can enter a snake enclosure through contaminated food or other animals. A snake’s skin becomes a host for mites, which lay their eggs in the substrate and feed on the blood of the snake. Use an over-the-counter reptile lice treatment or bathe the snake in warm water to get rid of snake mites. Completely clean the enclosure to get rid of the mites and stop them from coming again.
respiratory conditions
The snake’s enclosure’s subpar temperature can lead to respiratory issues including pneumonia. Thmouthists open-mouth breathing, wheezing, and trouble breathing as signs of respproblems,issues. Optimize the enclosure’s temperature to treat the infection. Consult a reptile veterinarian if, after one clear upo weeks, the issue has not resolved.
Breeding
The rainy season is when blunt-headed tree snakes breed in the wild. When the snakes are two years old, they are sexually mature. The eggs are laid on the forest floor by the females after mating, and they normally hatch between March and August.
Due to the blunt-headed tree snakes being marketed as pets so infrequently, information on breeding them in captivity is scarce. It is challenging to find willing an healthy men and females, as well as to encourage he rainy season inside the cage.
The majority of professionals haven’t had the chance to try breeding, and it’s extremely doubtful that amateur snake keepers would be successful.
Purchase and Selection of a Blunt-Headed Tree Snake
A blunt-headed tree snake typically costs over $5,000. Rarely is this species offererarely availablesale at pet stores or online. You’ll have the best chance of finding a snake from a breeder by joining online reptile communities and routinely looking for blunt-headed tree snakes there.
Before purchasing a blunt-headed tree snake, you should confirm your state’s regulations on keeping venomous animals as pets. It is permissible to capture and sell blunt-headed tree snakes, but to prevent health difficulties and feeding problems with the snake, be sure to purchasewithrom a reliable breeder.
Before you buy the snake, request to seeCheck thatVerify the snake’s decent feeding habits, smooth, shiny scales, and clear eyes. Avoid snakes that exhibit symptoms of illness, such as lethargy, hazy eyes, or scales that are red or bloated.
