I would say my johnii are a little more active than other species of sandboa. The only sandboas I have kept which spent more time on the surface were tataricus.

My largest female johnii is very active, usually on top of the substrate cruising around the cage trying to eat anything that disturbs her. My males are much more "subdued". One is out when he wants food (every few days), the other doesn't ever come to the surface.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas