The Rough Scaled Sand Boa is a small species of Boa that can be found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
These snakes are more closely related to the Sand Boas of Europe, Africa and Asia than they are to the ‘True Boas’ that can be found in Central and South America.
Taxonomy
The Rough Scaled Sand Boa belongs to the Boidae family of snakes. This essentially means that they are a type of Boa. However, they are not part of the sub-family of ‘True Boas’ (Boinae) from Central and South America. That family contains species such as the Boa Constrictor, Brazilian Rainbow Boa and the Green Anaconda.
This species belongs to the sub-family Erycinae (Old World Sand Boas). This group contains 3 Genera, one of which is the genus Charina. This means that they are a fairly close relative to the Rosy Boa and Rubber Boa of North America.
The genus that the Rough Scaled Sand Boa belongs to is called Gongylophis. This genus only contains 3 different species. The other two species in the genus are the Kenyan Sand Boa and the Saharan Sand Boa. The scientific name for this species is Gongylophis conicus.
Description
The Rough Scaled Sand Boa only grows to a length of around 3 feet. They have small scales on their head while their eyes are also small. They usually have dark scales extending back from their eyes, somewhat similar to the dark scales on a Boa Constrictor.
This snake can vary greatly in color but the patterning is relatively consistent. Their pattern consists of a series of dark blotches on a light background. This dark pattern can often take the form of a ‘zig-zag’ pattern.
The patterning is usually dark brown in color but this can often vary to black or ‘rusty red’. The background color of the snake is generally light brown, tan or yellow.
These snakes are often confused with the venomous Russell’s Viper as they are somewhat similar in appearance. It is believed that this similarity is a form of Batesian Mimicry. This is where a harmless species evolves to ‘mimic’ a dangerous species in an attempt to ward off predators.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Rough Scaled Sand Boa can be found in parts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. It can also be found in the Northern parts of Sri Lanka where the conditions are more arid.
This snake prefers the sandy arid regions in their range. They are not found in the tropical rainforest regions of India as they prefer relatively low humidity.
Feeding a Rough Scaled Sand Boa
A baby Rough Scaled Sand Boa will need to be fed pinkie mice. You should feed them a diet of one rodent a week. The size of the meal should be slightly smaller than the girth of the snake, at the snake’s largest point.
Once the snake is large enough, you should attempt to move them onto rat pups. Rats will provide your snake with more nutrients so they are a better option if your snake will accept them.
As your snake grows, you will need to increase the size of their meal. You should always be aiming for a rodent that is slightly smaller than the girth of the snake.
You can continue to feed an adult Boa on a weekly schedule or you can move them onto a feeding schedule of every 10-14 days. If feeding less frequently, make sure you offer them a larger meal.
Rough Scaled Sand Boa Enclosure
The Rough Scaled Sand Boa is a small species so they do not need to be kept in an excessively large enclosure. You can keep a juvenile in an enclosure measuring about 18″ x 12″ x 12″. This can be a glass enclosure or even a plastic tub.
As the snake grows, you will need to increase the size of their enclosure. Adults can be housed in an enclosure measuring around 36″ x 18″ x 12″. Many people will house them in smaller enclosures, but this will give your snake plenty of room to move around.
The type of enclosure you house your Rough Scaled Sand Boa in is completely up to you. All the common enclosure types work well including Glass, Wooden, PVC and even plastic tubs.
These snakes are not considered arboreal, so you do not need excessive height in their enclosure. However, you can include a climbing branch or two if you think your snake will use it.
These snakes spend most of their time burrowing, so it is important that you make them feel secure by offering them a few hiding places. You should include at least one hide at either end of the enclosure along with a clean water bowl.
Light and Heat
The Rough Scaled Sand Boa likes it hot. You should provide them with a basking spot of 90-95F. The cool side of the enclosure can fall to around 80F.
This will provide the snake with an adequate thermal gradient that they can use to thermoregulate. You should use an under-tank heat mat or a ceramic bulb to heat the enclosure.
Whichever heat source you choose, ensure it is connected to an adequate thermostat. This will ensure that the enclosure stays at the correct temperature.
You do not need to use any special lighting in your enclosure such as UVB. However, if you do choose to use lighting in your Rough Scaled Sand Boa enclosure, you must turn it off at night. This is to give your snake a proper day/night cycle.
Rough Scaled Sand Boa Humidity and Substrate
You can keep your Rough Scaled Sand Boa on a wide variety of substrates. You should use a substrate that will promote burrowing. This will allow them to replicate their natural behaviour.
Avoid using newspaper or paper towel as these types of substrates will not allow your snake to burrow. You should aim to provide your snake with a substrate that is 3-4 inches deep.
Some good substrate options for a Rough Scaled Sand Boa include Aspen Shavings, Repti-Bark and a loosely compact soil-based substrate such as Coco Fibre.
These snakes thrive in environments with lower levels of humidity so make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the enclosure. You should aim for a humidity level of around 30-40%.
