Kenyan Sand Boa (Het Anery)

Eryx colubrinus
Common Names: Kenyan Sand Boa, East African Sand Boa

Species Overview

• Size: Adults typically grow to 18–30 inches (45–75 cm), with females larger and bulkier than males.

• Appearance: Visually resembles the normal/wild-type Kenyan Sand Boa, with orange to yellow saddles on a dark brown background. As a het (heterozygous) animal, it does not display the Anerythristic morph visually but carries the gene.

• Distribution: Native to East Africa, particularly Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan.

• Habitat: Inhabits arid savannahs, deserts, and scrubland, preferring loose sandy soil and rocky areas for burrowing.

• Behaviour: A fossorial ambush predator, spending most of its time buried under the substrate, waiting to strike at prey such as small mammals, birds, and lizards.

Captive Care

• Enclosure: A 20-gallon long tank or equivalent suits most adults. Provide deep, loose substrate such as sand, aspen, or soil/sand mix for burrowing. Include a shallow water dish and at least one secure hide.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 78–82°F (25–28°C) with a basking spot of 90–95°F (32–35°C). Night drops to 72–75°F (22–24°C) are fine. Humidity should remain 30–50%, reflecting their arid native habitat.

• Diet: Juveniles should be fed pinky mice every 5–7 days; adults every 10–14 days on small rodents. Monitor body condition, as sand boas are prone to obesity.

• Behaviour in Captivity: Known to be docile, slow-moving, and secretive. They tolerate handling well but will spend much of their time buried.

• Special Considerations: A deep substrate is essential to support their natural burrowing behaviour.

Genetics Note

• Anerythristic (Recessive): Removes red and orange pigments, producing gray/black coloration when expressed.

• Het Anery: This snake carries one copy of the recessive gene but does not visually display the morph.

• Husbandry and care remain identical to wild-type Kenyan Sand Boas.