Burrowing Asp
Snakes

Burrowing Asp

Atractaspis bibronii

Habitat

Savannas and dry bush

Range

Southern Africa

Adult Size

1.3 ft (0.4 m)

Diet

Small lizards and nestlings

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Least Concern

Recommended Tank Sizes

Enclosure size guidance by life stage for Burrowing Asp. General guidelines โ€” always research species-specific requirements and size up whenever possible.

Baby

10โ€“20 gal (38โ€“76 L), 20" ร— 10" (51 ร— 25 cm)

Juvenile

30โ€“40 gal (114โ€“151 L), 36" ร— 18" (91 ร— 46 cm)

Sub-Adult

50โ€“60 gal (189โ€“227 L), 48" ร— 18" (122 ร— 46 cm)

Adult

75+ gal (284+ L), 48" ร— 24" or larger (122 ร— 61 cm or larger)

Orientation: Terrestrial (long & low). As a rule of thumb, the enclosure length should be at least 2ร— the reptile's adult length, and width at least 1ร—.

Ferguson Zone & UVB

The Ferguson Zone system categorizes reptiles by their natural UVB exposure needs, guiding lighting choices.

Zone 3 โ€” Open Sun Basker

These reptiles bask in direct sun for extended periods. Provide moderate-to-high UVB (10โ€“14% T5 or Mercury Vapor bulb) covering 1/2 to 2/3 of the enclosure, with shaded retreats.

Zone 1

Crepuscular / Shade

Zone 2

Occasional Basker

Zone 3

Open Sun Basker

Zone 4

Full Sun Lover

Temperature Gradient

basking surface

100โ€“110ยฐF (38โ€“43ยฐC)

warm ambient

85โ€“95ยฐF (29โ€“35ยฐC)

cool side

75โ€“80ยฐF (24โ€“27ยฐC)

Humidity

20โ€“40%

Lighting & Photoperiod

10โ€“14% T5 HO UVB bulb spanning 1/2โ€“2/3 of the enclosure. Basking bulb (halogen or incandescent) on the warm end. 12โ€“14 hr photoperiod in summer, 10โ€“12 hr in winter.

Heating

Overhead halogen basking bulb (preferred) or ceramic heat emitter for nighttime heat if needed. Under-tank heat mats are a secondary option for belly warmth.

Decor & Furnishings

  • โ€ขFlat basking stones under the heat lamp
  • โ€ขCork bark or rock caves for hides (one on each end)
  • โ€ขExcavator clay burrowing mound
  • โ€ขDry branches for climbing opportunities
  • โ€ขShallow water dish on the cool side

Setup Notes

Provide a deep substrate layer (4โ€“6 in / 10โ€“15 cm) for burrowing. Use a temperature gradient from basking zone to cool side. Offer a humid hide (damp sphagnum moss) to aid shedding, even in arid setups.