When temp measurements are taken of wild snakes, it is clear that these animals make use of both very warm and rather cool temps. They use warm temps when they need it, and cool temps when they need those (like to conserve energy when food is not plentiful.) And of course, they are subject to temps from mother nature and have to deal with that accordingly.



In captivity, we generally limit them to a very narrow range of mild temps. Yes, they seem to do well in our cages with 80 deg, and with small cages, it is dangerous to try and offer higher temps if there is little area to escape those temps.



Still, it is limiting, even if they seem to do well. Some species may prefer lower average temps, but even those species may take advantage of high temps for short periods.



Field data from boa constrictors for example show body temps much lower than the 75 deg we say should be the low as the boa emerges in the morning, and while basking, field data shows body temps of 86-95 deg and even higher. So these snakes thrive in temps that span upwards of a 30 deg difference.



I also think that if high temps are offered, so should lower temps. But again, this is tough to do in a small cage, so then the more middle temps are easier to maintain. So actually, we are the limiting factor here because we can't offer 65 deg to 90 deg in one cage usually. It is kind of backwards I think. We offer average temps then say that the snakes prefer that, rather than offering a true wide range and seeing what happens.
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Mark

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