Rough Green Snake Species Profile

The terrarium for this arboreal snake should be vertical and well-ventilated. Try using a mesh cage (usually sold for chameleons) or turn a 20-gallon aquarium on end and use a mesh lid for the front of the terrarium. Rough green snakes drink droplets of water from leaves and branches and typically will not drink from a dish. The terrarium should have a variety of large-leaved plants and vines (live or artificial) that are misted daily with clean water. Use aspen or a similar moisture-absorbing bedding for substrate. An average temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping a few degrees at night, works well. A small basking lamp can be used to heat part of the terrarium to 90 to 95 degrees for a few hours a day.

In nature, rough green snakes feed on a variety of soft-bodied invertebrates, especially moth and butterfly caterpillars. Living food is essential. In the terrarium they will take crickets and waxworms, as well as wild-caught insects and larvae from areas that have not been treated with pesticides or herbicides. This snake needs many small meals rather than a few large meals, so feed at least every other day. Insects should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement powder several times a week.