What is tri-color hognose?

The tri-color hognose (Heterodon platirhinos) is a small- to medium-sized species of snake native to North America. As its name suggests, it has a tricolored coloration consisting of brown, orange, and creamy yellow. They typically grow to be about 20 to 33 inches (51 to 84 cm) in length.

Tri-color hognose snakes are non-venomous, and they are known for their distinctive behavior, which includes puffing themselves up and hissing to scare away potential predators. They are also known for their unique defense mechanism of playing dead, which involves rolling onto their back, convulsing, and emitting a foul-smelling musk.

Tri-color hognose snakes are popular as pets due to their docile nature and interesting behaviors, but they do require a specialized diet of rodents and small vertebrates. They also need a well-equipped terrarium with a heat source, hiding spots, and substrate.

Tri-color hognose snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, savannas, forests, and deserts. They are primarily active during the daytime and feed on small rodents, amphibians, and reptiles. Females can lay up to two dozen eggs in a clutch, which hatch after around 40 to 60 days.