| Madagascar Hognose-Leioheterodon sp. |
| Speckled Madagascar Hognose-aka-Red Spotted -- (Leioheterodon geayi) Length: 3 to 4 feet Diet: Amphibians, lizards, lizard eggs, rodents Range: Madagascar Island Fairly commonly imported. Bred by select breeders, is becoming more common in captivity. *********************************************************************** |
| Giant Madagascar Hognose-aka Checkered Hognose- (Leioheterodon madagascariensis) Length: can reach 6 + feet Diet: Amphibians, lizards, lizard eggs, smaller snakes and rodents. Range: Madagascar Island and Comoro Islands. Commonly imported. Most commonly bred of the 3 species. One of the most common species of snakes on Madagascar. ********************************************************************* |
| Blonde Madagascar Hognose - aka - Gold Hognose - (Leioheterodon modestus) Length: 3 to 4 feet Diet: Amphibians, Lizards, lizard eggs, smaller snakes, and rodents. Range: Madagascar Island Least: commonly bred or imported of the 3 species. ******************************************************************* |
| Care requirements for the Madagascar Species are similar to the basic care of all other hognose snakes. Just assume you have to make everything bigger. Exception of course is the size of the enclosure: 30 gallon long for L. geayi and L. modestus is fine 40+ gallon for L. madagascariensis Breeding requirements are the same for these as all other hognose snakes. Captive diet is generally prekilled rats of appropriate size. DO NOT!! feed them TOADS that are native to North or South America. See Feed WarningPage. Special notes: Madagascar hognose do not seem to enjoy direct bright lights. You can use a basking light but be sure that there is a hide box or some type of thick vines supported by strong branches for them to hide beneath. A photo will be provided to illustrate this. Photo is on Basic Care of NA Hognose Page. Important note: Bites from Madagascar hognose may cause serious reactions in some people. If bitten-observe the symptoms-if any-and if needed contact a physician or hospital. Those with allergies are more likely to have severe reactions. Although no one has died or had to seek medical attention (according to the records I have) Symptoms can include mild to medium pain, swelling, fever, bruising etc. The sale and possession of Madagascar Hognose is restricted or Prohibited in some states, counties, etc. please check local oridances before purchasing one. They are considered by most zoo to be mildly venomous. Handling Madagascar Hognose Snakes can be done with relative safty in most cases. They like their North American cousins do not tend to bite. So free handling can be done, unless the snake is easlily frightened or aggressive. Handle with care. |