Western Hognose (Conda Toffee het. Swiss Chocolate)

Western Hognose (Conda Toffee het. Swiss Chocolate)

Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus
Common Name: Western Hognose Snake

Species Overview

Size: Adult females typically reach 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) in length, while males average 1.5–2 feet (0.45–0.6 m). Both sexes feature the species’ characteristic upturned snout, adapted for digging and burrowing in loose soils.

Appearance: The Conda Toffee het. Swiss Chocolate Western Hognose displays a warm, creamy appearance with reduced patterning and soft brown-to-caramel hues. The Anaconda (“Conda”) gene minimizes and scatters dorsal blotches, giving the snake a clean, simplified pattern. The Toffee gene replaces darker tones with warm pinkish-browns and golden highlights, creating a smooth, glossy finish. While the Swiss Chocolate gene is not visually expressed here, it adds further depth and breeding potential for rich, coffee-coloured offspring. Together, these traits produce an elegant, balanced look that stands out for its warmth and subtle refinement.

Distribution: Native to central North America, from southern Canada through the Great Plains and into northern Mexico.

Habitat: Western Hognose Snakes inhabit open prairies, grasslands, and semi-arid regions with sandy or loose soil ideal for burrowing. In captivity, this morph thrives in terrestrial terrariums with soft substrate, climbing décor, and secure hiding areas.

Behaviour: Western Hognoses are diurnal, curious, and alert snakes known for their dramatic bluff displays, which may include hissing, neck flattening, or mock strikes. These displays are harmless, and with regular handling, they settle into confident, inquisitive animals.

Captive Care

Enclosure: Provide an enclosure at least 3 feet × 18 inches × 18 inches for adults, using deep, soft substrate such as aspen, soil, or a sand-soil blend. Include multiple hides, smooth décor, and low branches for enrichment.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (25–30°C) with a basking area near 90°F (32°C). Allow nighttime drops to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep humidity between 30–50%, slightly increasing during shedding.

Diet: Offer thawed rodents approximately 1.25× the width of the snake’s mid-body. Feed juveniles every 4–5 days and adults every 7–10 days. Western Hognoses are reliable feeders that adapt easily to routine schedules.

Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy, engaging, and active, Western Hognoses thrive with consistent care and stable conditions. They are often seen burrowing or exploring during daylight hours and tolerate handling well once accustomed.

Special Considerations: Western Hognoses are mildly rear-fanged, and their venom poses minimal risk to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs. Handle calmly and house them individually to avoid feeding-related aggression or stress.

Genetics Note

Anaconda (Incomplete Dominant): Reduces and scatters dorsal blotches, creating a smoother, cleaner pattern. Super Anaconda (homozygous) forms are nearly patternless.

Toffee (Recessive): Produces warm caramel and pinkish-brown coloration with softer contrast. Often enhances the glossiness of the scales, creating a visually rich tone.

het. Swiss Chocolate (Recessive Carrier): Carries one copy of the Swiss Chocolate gene, which when expressed, produces deep, rich brown hues with a velvety finish. (“het” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of the gene is carried but not expressed.)

Genetic Combination Summary

The Western Hognose (Conda Toffee het. Swiss Chocolate) expresses one visible incomplete dominant trait and one recessive trait, while carrying a second recessive gene:

• Anaconda (Incomplete Dominant): Simplifies and reduces dorsal patterning.

• Toffee (Recessive): Adds warm, caramel-coloured tones.

• het. Swiss Chocolate (Recessive Carrier): Adds potential for deeper brown pigmentation in offspring.

This morph combines soft caramel colouring with a minimalist pattern, offering both strong visual appeal and significant breeding versatility. The pairing of Toffee and Swiss Chocolate genes opens possibilities for producing exceptionally rich, chocolate-toned morphs in future generations.