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Checkered garter snake
- Thamnophis marcianus

This species has a calm character. When the Checkered garter snake feels threatened, usually flees.
Checkered garter snake
(Thamnophis marcianus marcianus) from Hidalgo County, New Mexico, USA. – Andrew DuBoisFlickr

Content

Origin / Distribution

The Checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus) is commonly found in the United States, Mexico and some parts of Central America. In United States, are found in Southwestern California, southwestern Arizona and southern New Mexico. In Mexico, have been found as disjoint populations along the Rio Grande, Veracruz, Juchitán de Zaragoza, Tabasco and the center of the Yucatan Peninsula. In Central America, have been found in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Lake Nicaragua and Managua, Nicaragua; northeastern Costa Rica; The Estrus, Guatemala and Orange Walk, Belice.

Characteristics / Appearance

The Checkered garter snake it gets its common name from the checkered pattern of light black and gray spots along its body.. Both females and males have the same pattern. They have pale yellow stripes along their spines and sides, while its ventral sides are cream-colored. Their heads are olive green with a single thick black line on the neck.. Your body may be gray, brown, oliva, tanned or albino. They have 21 rows of keel-shaped dorsal scales.

Adults weigh an average of 60 g, but they can come to weigh between 31 and 122 g. Adults, can measure between 45 and 106 cm., but the average for adults is 55 cm. (including the queue). The average length of the tail is 16 cm.. The tip of the tongue is black and the rest is a deep red. On the head they have a pale yellow crescent in front of the neck. The females of the Checkered garter snake are bulkier and longer than males, that are thinner and shorter. Females measure an average of 82 cm and weigh 81 g, while males measure 51 cm and weigh 51 g.

The Checkered garter snake measured between 15 and 20 cm. (including the queue) at birth. Juveniles have the same checkerboard patterns as adults.

Habitat

The Checkered garter snake it inhabits areas ranging from sea level to elevations of 2.200 m. It can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from wetlands. (for example, humid tropical forests) to the drylands (deserts and dry forests). They are located in or near water sources such as rivers, ponds, Springs, ditches and lakes. When they are in the grasslands, tend to dig under rocks, logs and thick vegetation. They can also be found in courtyards and gardens. Their populations are shifting westward, traveling along irrigation canals.

From November to the end of February, hibernates at a temperature between 10 and 15° C.

Mating takes place between March and April. From June to August you can give birth to more than 30 live offspring.

Behavior

This species has a calm character. When the Checkered garter snake feels threatened, usually flees. If escape is not possible, defend themselves by threatening and, if that doesn't work, Biting. A last defensive technique that can be used by the Checkered garter snake is emptying your glands and often defecating at the same time. This releases a very unpleasant smell.

Reproduction

The Checkered garter snake begins mating in spring – as soon as it comes out of hibernation at the end of March- until the beginning of April. When it's time to mate, females stop eating and groups of males emit strong pheromones so that females can find them. Once a female has mated, her partner goes to find another female to inseminate her. Females also have the ability to store sperm.

In the North, mating occurs in burrows, where temperatures are warmer; temperatures below 10 °C may cause death or neurological disorders. In the South, when temperatures are 15 at 30°C, reproduction is usually more successful. When they finish mating, females can store sperm or fertilize immediately after mating. Its gestation period is normally 80 to 105 days. Females give birth to a clutch from between 6 and 35 offspring between the months of July and September. Ford and Karges (1987) studied cage snakes in south Texas and northeastern Mexico, and hypothesized that some females may have two clutches a year.. Although they do not support it directly, his anecdotal evidence was the discovery of hatchlings “fully grown” in two moments of the season: April and September.

Males reach sexual maturity at 1,5 years, while females do it to the 2 years. As soon as they are born they are already independent. At birth, the Checkered garter snake weighs an average of 13 g.

The males of the Checkered garter snake have no parental involvement beyond the act of insemination. Females carry and protect their young in their body until they are born. Once born mothers do not provide more parental care.

Food

Diet Checkered garter snake consists of a wide variety of animals, like worms, mice, fish, lizards, slugs, amphibians and eggs. Types of amphibians they eat include tadpoles, adult frogs and salamanders. They hunt small prey in ditches and streams using smell and sight. When kept in captivity, eat thawed mice or other snakes.

Threats to the species

State of conservation ⓘ


Status Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The Checkered garter snake It is classified as a species of “Least concern” on the IUCN Red list. They do not have special status on the U.S. federal list, in CITES or on the State of Michigan's list.

Most of the populations of the Checkered garter snake throughout their range are stable, but a few disjoint populations in Mexico could be threatened. Several emerging threats include excessive use of pesticides (that can eliminate prey species or bioaccumulate in snakes), the loss of amphibious prey in Mexico and habitat loss.

In some cases, the Checkered garter snake already inhabits protected land (for example, national parks) and there are captive breeding colonies in Mexico. They are also somewhat common in the pet trade., because they are easy to keep in captivity and quite docile. It is believed that the Checkered garter snake is increasing its range following irrigation ditches (in correlation with the expansion of agricultural practices).

The "Checkered garter snake" in captivity

Checkered garter snake
Checkered garter snake – The original uploader was Dawson at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The Checkered garter snake is active throughout the day. This species is usually more active than most domestic snakes.. During the coolest hours of the day they travel their territory in search of food.

The terrarium

  • Minimum enclosure size for a couple: 80 x 50 x 50 cm..
  • Surface: 0,5 m2
  • Daytime temperature: 24-28º
  • Night temperature: 18-22º
  • Daylight hours: 12 hours
  • Humidity: 40% -60%
  • Land cover: newsprint, humus or sand

  • Diet

    You can choose between offering live or dead prey. It is advisable to offer dead food. This is more practical and prevents the animal that serves as your food from harming your snake.. It also, it is recommended to offer the food with a clamp and do it outside the enclosure. This ensures that her hand is not exposed as food and prevents it from clinging to your hand while you feed it.. If you choose to feed it with live food, you should watch while feeding it. This is because two snakes that have the same prey can injure each other and, sometimes, even eating each other. The ideal prey is as wide as the widest part of the snake.

    Cleaning

    A hygienic living environment is important to maintain the health of your Checkered garter snake. As such, it is necessary to clean the enclosure regularly. Cleaning once a week is enough. To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, you have to clean and disinfect the entire terrarium a couple of times a year.

    Management

    This variety has a calm character and is usually easy to handle. But, you have to take into account some things when handling it. Never squeeze the Checkered garter snake when handling it, as the rotating links are fragile and can break easily. It is best to let the snake rest comfortably in the hand. Also make sure your hands are washed and don't smell like food..

    Buy one "Checkered garter snake"

    When buying, preferably choose young offspring. Animals caught in the wild are usually infected with parasites (internal and/or external), are habitual carriers of diseases and are very sensitive to stress.

    Its price in the exotic animal market ranges from 50 – 100 EUR.

    Videos "Checkered garter snake"

    A snake wonder! Thamnophis Marcianus #shorts

    Thamnophis marcianus karmienie

    Alternative names:

    1. Checkered garter snake (English).
    2. Serpent jarretière à damier (French).
    3. Karierte Strumpfbandnatter, Bunte Strumpfbandnatter, Schachbrettnatter (German).
    4. Cobra-liga quadriculada, Serpente de liga quadriculada (Portuguese).
    5. "Culebra listonada manchada", Sochuate, Culebra de agua, Culebra Jarretera Ajedrezada (español).

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    Eastern kingsnake
    - Lampropeltis getula

    Primary habitat varies by subspecies. The Eastern kingsnake can be found in forests, Meadows, deserts and urban areas.
    California kingsnake
    oven “California kingsnake” (Lampropeltis getula californiae) taken at Coyote Hills Regional Park in the San Francisco Bay – Calibas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    The Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) it is one of the only species of king snakes found in most of North America.

    There are seven subspecies of Lampropeltis getula in North America.

  • The Lampropeltis getula getula (Eastern kingsnake) found on the east coast of North America, from southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania to eastern parts of West Virginia, southwest to Mobile Bay, Alabama, and east to northern Florida.
  • The Lampropeltis getula floridana (Florida kingsnake) is located on the Florida panhandle south of Dade County.
  • Lampropeltis getula californiae (California kingsnake) is restricted to southwestern California and Baja California. in the Canary Islands (Spain), is considered an invasive species, being the native lizard of Gran Canaria, prey of that species.
  • Lampropeltis getula holbrooki (Speckled kingsnake) is located in southwestern Illinois, eastern Iowa and south-central Alabama.
  • The Lampropeltis getula nigra (Black kingsnake) lies west of the Appalachian Mountains and east of the Mississippi River; this includes the region from West Virginia to southern Ohio, southeastern Illinois and northern Alabama.
  • The Lampropeltis getula splendida (Desert kingsnake) would originate from Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, United States.
  • The Lampropeltis getula nigrita (Mexican black kingsnake) found in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico.

  • Subspecies overlap and interbreed in several different regions of North America.

    Subespecies Lampropeltis getula

    Lampropeltis getula getula (Eastern kingsnake) Lampropeltis getula floridana (Florida kingsnake) Lampropeltis getula californiae (California kingsnake) Lampropeltis getula holbrooki (Speckled kingsnake) Lampropeltis getula nigra (Black kingsnake) Lampropeltis getula splendida (Desert kingsnake) Lampropeltis getula nigrita (Mexican black kingsnake

    Characteristics / Appearance

    Since the physical description of Lampropeltis getula varies greatly between subspecies, Each of them will be described separately.. One measurement they all share is the length of the pups.: of 20 to 28 cm al nacer. The adults of the Eastern kingsnake (L. g. getula) They can reach a length of 61 to 153 cm.. They are big snakes, solid and shiny black with yellow crossbars (sometimes white) stretching along the snake. The head is solid black with several yellow or white spots decorating the scales on the head..

    The Speckled kingsnake (L. g. holbrooki) can reach a length of 51 to 132 cm in adulthood. They are black with “specks” yellow on their scales and along them. The underside is pale yellow to white with some of the black scales curling on the sides..

    The California kingsnake (L. g. california) can reach a length of 91 to 106 cm.. They have white crossbars that intersect with black spots along the back.. The head is normally white with a black upper part and some black scales on the side..

    The Florida kingsnake adult (L. g. floridana) can measure between 106 and 138 cm.. The only major difference between Florida and Eastern garter snakes is that they have 60 transverse bands, while the eastern ones only have 30. The belly is pale yellow with alternating patterns of black scales in the shape of a “zigzag”.

    The Black kingsnake (L. g. nigra). Adult specimens reach an average size of 90 to 122 centimeters in total length, with some reaching maximum total lengths of 147 to 183 centimeters. It is generally similar to L. getula getula, although it can be distinguished by its geography and appearance. Has a black body interspersed with widely spaced yellow or cream-colored specks, larger and more numerous along sides. the back, in some cases, it has no drawings and in others it has crossed bands. The belly shows a black and yellow checkered pattern (or cream). The ventral scales range from 197 and 222 in both sexes, and the subflows between 45 and 59 in males and 37 and 51 in females.

    The Desert kingsnake (L. g. splendida) can reach from 123 to 153 cm.. The shiny back of the snake is black or very dark brown., finely mottled blanco or amarillo. These pale specks form vaguely defined narrow vertebral crossbands, between which the intervening rectangular areas are black. Pale yellow scales may predominate along lower sides. The abdomen of adult and young snakes is mostly black, with white or pale yellow spots marking outer ends of ventral plates. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 23 to 25 rows in the middle of the body and the anal plate is not divided.

    The Mexican black kingsnake (L. g. nigrita) can reach a length of 106 to 132 cm.. They are black and shiny, with approximately 75 thin yellow crossbars. This subspecies also has yellow spots on the black scales that run down the sides of the snake..

    Life expectancy

    Little information is available on the longevity of Eastern kingsnake in its natural environment. Most of the available information comes from captive snakes. The Eastern kingsnake older wild had 9 years (reported in 1937). The Eastern kingsnake longest in captivity had 33,3 years.

    Habitat

    Primary habitat varies by subspecies. The Eastern kingsnake can be found in forests, Meadows, deserts and urban areas. The microhabitats of most subspecies include: under the wood, in rubbish heaps, barns, along stone walls, on sunny embankments, in stump holes or sunny clearings.

    The coastal subspecies, as the Florida kingsnake and some Eastern king snakes, can be found along the edges of swamps, marshes and levees. Other subspecies, as the California kingsnake and Mexican black kingsnake, limited to arid areas. Elevation also varies by subspecies. These may include, the California kingsnake has the widest lifting range, from the Pacific coast to the 915 m. The Eastern kingsnake (123 to 305 m) and Black kingsnake (153 to 305 m) share similar limited elevation ranges. The Speckled kingsnake can be found at elevations up to 610 m.

    Behavior

    Eastern kingsnake
    Lampropeltis getula (common kingsnake) – James St. JohnFlickr

    The Eastern kingsnake it is diurnal. Its annual activity period is between the end of March or the beginning of April and October and the beginning of November.. They hibernate during the winter in caves., cracks in the rocks, mammal burrows, hollow logs and on old stumps. During the cooler days of spring and fall they can be found outside during the day basking in the sun.. They spend most of the day under leaf litter and other debris and spend the rest of the time traveling, sunbathe and hunt. The Eastern kingsnake not limited to the ground, but can climb trees and swim quite well. Fights between males are common (during mating season).

    Developing

    Snake eggs have a large amount of yolk that contains the fats and carbohydrates necessary for the development of the embryo.. Towards the final stages of development, the snake fetus absorbs the yolk. It also, the embryo extracts part of the calcium for the egg shell and uses it to form its skeleton. Once the skeleton is formed, the shell becomes thinner and more flexible. Oxygen exchange decreases over time, which in turn drives the hatchling out of the egg, using the “served” of the expired egg in the nose.

    after hatching, the young remain in the nest until they shed their skin for the first time. This usually lasts about a week. Next, the hatchlings scatter. Information on the period after hatching is scarce.. The Eastern kingsnake reaches sexual maturity at about half its maximum potential size, between 60 and 92 cm.. In captivity, can reach sexual maturity much earlier due to abundant food source and limited parasites and disease.

    Reproduction

    The males of the Eastern kingsnake compete for females. If two males are in the same area, both raise their heads, the neck and the front of the body and intertwine them. The males then try to press each other to the ground.. The losing male will withdraw and curl up in a prone position with his head resting on the ground.. The victorious male will return to the female waiting nearby and copulate.. Males are able to find females through pheromone trails.. when they mate, males lie on top of females and bite their necks. Next, males curl their tails under females until their vents line up. The male uses his hemipenis to enter the female's cloaca.. Copulation can last from several minutes to several hours.

    The Eastern kingsnake appears in spring, allowing females to lay their eggs when the weather is still warm enough for proper incubation. Its gestation period is about 60 days. In the hottest climates (for example, Florida), courtship can start as early as March. In the northern parts of the range, courtship is delayed until April or May.

    A female can produce a single clutch of multiple pairs.. Females can also produce more than one clutch per season as a result of more than one mating.. The female chooses the nesting site., which can include rotten logs and stumps, as well as piles of sawdust. The Eastern kingsnake breeds annually and has been known to produce more than one clutch per season. The breeding season is between March and August. The average number of offspring is 10 eggs per clutch (between 3 and 24). The average gestation period for females is 60 to 62 days (range of 50 to 80 days). The young can weigh between 9 and 14 g.. Females reach sexual maturity between the 2 and 4 years. Males reach sexual maturity between 1 and 4 years.

    after intercourse, male will leave female and not return to help with parental care. After the female lays her eggs, will disperse and will not return to the nest.

    Food

    The diet of adults Eastern kingsnake varies between subspecies and is very wide, but published reports are available on some representative subspecies. The Eastern kingsnake and of Florida they feed mainly on other snakes, including poisonous (coral vipers, copper heads, massasaugas and rattles), the Eastern garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), the Northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon), the Ring-neck snakes (Diadophis punctatus), the Smooth earth snakes (Virginia valeriae) and Worm snakes (Carphasphis amonenus). They also feed on Five-lined skinks (Plestiodon fasciatus), the White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and the eggs of the Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).

    Diet also varies by subspecies. The Black kingsnake It feeds mainly on the Hognosed snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), Red-bellied snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata), Black racers (Coluber constrictor), Black rat snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), Fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus), Red spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens), House mice (Mus musculus) and Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). The Mexican black kingsnake It feeds mainly on House mice (Mus), Rats (Rattus) and Southern desert horned lizards (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum). They also eat other non-venomous snakes, birds, vertebrate eggs, lizards, mice and rats. The California kingsnake feeds on mice, Gopher snakes (Pituophis), California alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) and Racers (Coluber).

    Threats to the species

    State of conservation ⓘ


    Status Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

    The Eastern kingsnake Figure as “worrisome species” on the United States federal list. This may be because the Florida kingsnake, L. g. floridana, is in decline. Among the reasons for the decline are anthropogenic causes due to the extensive pet trade, road deaths and habitat loss.

    The fire ants invasive (Solenopsis invicta) are also harming the populations of L. g. floridana by competing for food sources such as turtle eggs.

    Benefits for the human being

    The Eastern kingsnake it is one of the most popular snakes to keep as a pet, Next to the Boa constrictor. They play an important role in controlling poisonous snake populations, that can pose a threat to humans.

    The "Eastern kingsnake" in captivity

    Speckled kingsnake
    Speckled kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula holbrooki) – Peter PaplanusFlickr

    The Eastern kingsnake or lampropeltis getula is one of the most common snakes in the United States, at least for a good reason: it is relatively easy to maintain.

    Due to its presence throughout North America, he has no problem living in captivity and is used to humans.

    It was one of the first captive-bred snakes.

    The terrarium

    First of all, these snakes eat other snakes, so ONLY ONE snake per Terrarium

    For one Eastern kingsnake baby, you can choose a terrarium of dimensions 60 x 40 x 40 cm.. For one Eastern kingsnake adult, choose at least one vivarium of dimensions 80 x 40 x 40 cm.. Make sure it has a secure, leak-proof opening. If there is a weak point, the Eastern kingsnake will find it and escape.

    Caveat: Do not keep together Eastern kingsnake juveniles or adults, since they could eat each other.

    In the case of females, cohabitation can be considered once they have reached a medium size (90 cm.).
    But, separate them to feed them.

    What to put in your terrarium?

    Place a hiding place in your nursery, a container of water (see humidity section below) and non-toxic plant ornaments (synthetic soles in case of doubt).

    Temperature and lighting

    The Eastern kingsnake does not need special lighting if the cage is in a room with natural light. Otherwise, use a light bulb, that will mimic natural sunlight.

    Be careful not to place the cage in or near a window where it is getting direct sunlight., otherwise it could get too hot and be fatal to your Eastern kingsnake.

    What temperature is ideal for a Eastern kingsnake?

    The temperature for a Lampropeltis getula during the day is 27 at 30°C at hot spot, and 24°C at the cold point. At night, the temperature is 24°C in the hot spot and 22-23°C in the cold spot.

    The Eastern kingsnake thermoregulates in nature. They move to find and hold (when they can) a preferred temperature. being cold blooded, get the temperature of their environment. In captivity, options are limited to what is offered. So, must have a hot and a cold end of his cage.

    There are many heaters, pads, cables and tapes available to do it. Some people use lamps for warmth, but this is not an efficient use of energy and has its drawbacks.

    What substrate do I use for a Eastern kingsnake?

    The ideal substrates for Eastern kingsnake are : reptile mat, and natural bark.

    Feed them in another box to prevent them from swallowing the substrate, o leave food on newspaper or paper towels.

    Avoid, at all costs, cedar-based sand or chips, since sand favors the growth of bacteria and cedar is toxic to reptiles and could cause your snake serious respiratory problems.

    what does one eat Eastern kingsnake?

    In the wild, the Eastern kingsnake eats almost any animal or bird small enough to swallow whole, including other snakes.

    In captivity, ofréceles rodents like little mice (they are the most affordable and easy to get). Usually, snakes are given freshly thawed mice or “newly” dead. Live mice can do a lot of damage to your snake, or even kill her!

    Feed her twice a week when she is growing, and once a week when it reaches adult size.

    Regarding the size, it is better not to exceed the diameter of the snake's body. You should also not handle your snake until it has finished completely digesting its food..

    What type of humidity is ideal for Eastern kingsnake?

    Place a container of water deep enough for your snake to bathe half of its body, and without the water overflowing in the cage.
    This will help to get the necessary humidity (higrometría) for your snake: 60%. Calculate it with a hygrometer.

    Management and temperament Eastern kingsnake

    Although it is bred in captivity, the Eastern kingsnake can be aloof and fearful of humans. May defecate or urinate on you when you pick it up. This is a natural behavior to deter you (as a potential predator) to eat it. If you see that it is in “S”, don't get too close, is in attack mode (like an abo in pokemon).

    With regular and gentle treatment, your lampropeltis will feel more and more safe with you. Caress, moving away from his face, with a bit of friction to slow down their shaking, is the best way to start handling it.

    molt of the Eastern kingsnake

    The Lampropeltis Getulus if changes each 2-3 months approximately. It's easy enough to see when this is the case: his eyes will look “glassy” white or bluish. Your snake will take a few days to completely shed its skin., so it is likely that he will do it in his hiding place. Check that everything is going well and that he is still eating/pooping during this period. Do not handle your snake when it is about to shed.

    If you see that it is difficult for it to detach from the skin and dry pieces stick to the scales, consider giving him a quick bath at room temperature to help him shed any remaining skin.

    Buy one "Eastern kingsnake"

    The California kingsnake it is the most popular subspecies among fans of terrarium animals. Its price in the exotic animal market ranges from 150 – 200 EUR.

    Videos "Eastern kingsnake"

    🐍 California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis california) - Information, care..etc 🐍

    The Eastern King Snake: Everything You Need To Know! (4K)

    Alternative names:

    1. Eastern kingsnake, Common kingsnake, Chain kingsnake (English).
    2. Serpent roi (French).
    3. Kettennatter, Ketten-Königsnatter (German).
    4. Cobra-real oriental, Cobra-real comum, Cobra-real de cadeia (Portuguese).
    5. "Serpiente real común", Serpiente rey del este, Serpiente rey de la cadena, Serpiente rey oriental (español).

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    Amazon tree boa
    - Corallus hortulanus

    The Amazon tree boa it is a popular pet with snake fanciers and is a fairly common export in the pet trade.
    Amazon tree boa
    Amazon tree boa – Tambopata, Mother of God, Peru. – Geoff French, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    There are two subspecies of Amazon tree boa. Corallus hortulanus hortulanus is found in the Guianas, the Amazon and southeastern Brazil (to the Tropic of Capricorn). Corallus hortulanus cooki is found in southern Central America, the north of Colombia, the north of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago and the southern Windward Islands (San Vicente and the Bank of Granada).

    Characteristics / Appearance

    The Amazon tree boa is well known for its highly variable color and patterns. They have small vestigial hind limb remnants in the cloacal region. Its base color varies from pale tan to black., with yellowish and reddish hues. They are marked by a series of spots or bands that are usually wider in the middle of the back.. The head has five dark stripes that extend from the eyes..

    The color of the belly is also variable, from cream to reddish brown, and with or without darker markings. Eyes may be yellow, grayish or reddish, and they have a reflective membrane that makes them shine at night. the tongue is black. Males and females are similar in size and markings.. Its length varies between 525 and 1880 mm, usually between 1200 and 1500 mm.

    Life expectancy

    There are no records of longevity in the literature. The half life of Amazon tree boa in captivity is about 20 years.

    Habitat

    The Amazon tree boa found in a wide variety of habitats. They are common in arboreal regions with high humidity, especially in the Amazon rainforest. They can also be found in dry areas, such as savannas or dry forests.

    Most of the Corallus hortulanus specimens studied are found at 1 or 2 m or more from the ground in trees or other vegetation. They have also been observed active on the ground. The Amazon tree boa also relatively common along rivers.

    Behavior

    Amazon tree boa
    Corallus hortulanus at the João Moojen Zoology Museum (Museum of Zoology João Moojen, MZUFV) at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), in Viçosa-MG, Brazil. – Mateus S. Figueiredo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Amazon tree boa it is a notoriously aggressive species. when threatened, bites and curls. when it is handled, can form a ball, contract and twist the body. They are solitary and can be active both at night and during the day..

    Reproduction

    Courtship behavior consists of “move the tail” around the enclosure. Once it has started, the male and female introduce themselves and the courtship behavior of the male will induce ovulation in the female. Females are also more receptive to mates if they are introduced soon after a molt.. Between March and April, the couple will have begun to actively copulate. Snakes will copulate several times during this period.

    In captivity it is possible for a female to mate with several males., although not recommended, since the males usually become very aggressive and fight each other. In some cases, high levels of aggressiveness have been observed among males, which has caused a dangerous situation for the female.

    In the Amazon tree boa, ovulation occurs in the female several weeks after copulation. During the gestation period, females seek out areas with direct sunlight or other warm areas to bask in the sun. The Amazon tree boa gives birth to live young. The gestation period is 6 to 8 months. Newborns shed their skin between 8 and 14 days after birth. After a few 3 years, the Amazon tree boa reaches sexual maturity.

    Once the pups are born, are immediately independent of their mother. The males of the Amazon tree boa they do not contribute to the care of their young.

    Food

    It has been reported that the Amazon tree boa feeds on birds (including Chloroceryle inda, Coereba, Elaenia), bats (probably Phyllostomus bicolor, Myotis), frogs (Elachistocleis), rodents (Akodon, Mus, Rattus), lizards (Anolis, Basiliscus, Iguana) and marsupials (Marmosa). These observations suggest that the Amazon tree boa has a wide diet of mainly vertebrate prey.

    The Amazon tree boa hunts at night using its infrared sensitivity or during the day using vision. They are typically ambush hunters, settling on a branch with the front of its body hanging in an S-shaped curve of the branch. They can attack prey that are at a surprising distance from them. Prey are often pushed off the tree branch when struck, in which case the snake will pick up the body by coiling on it.

    Threats to the species

    State of conservation ⓘ


    Status Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

    Threats to the population
    The Amazon tree boa not currently considered threatened, However, continued collection for the pet trade could affect their numbers in the future.

    population number
    According to the IUCN, the Amazon tree boa it is locally common and is widespread throughout its range, but no global population estimate is available. In the news, this species is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and their number is stable.

    ecological niche
    The Amazon tree boa plays an important role in its ecosystem, as it helps to control the populations of vertebrates on which it feeds.

    The "Amazon tree boa" in captivity

    The Amazon tree boa it is a popular pet with snake fanciers and is a fairly common export in the pet trade. In 2002 some were exported 3.000 of these live snakes from Guiana and 1.902 from Suriname in the same year (CITES 2002).

    The Corallus cookii was once an object of trade. But, this type of tree boa is only native to one island (San Vicente), that has stopped exporting herpetofauna for commercial purposes.

    The terrarium

    terrarium for "Amazon tree boa"

    🐍 Good Amazonian Tree (Corallus hortulanus) - The multicolored boa 🐍

    In general, these snakes do well in captivity and are easy to care for in a terrarium. Adult animals need a terrarium of at least 60 x 45 x 60 cm per animal. Large specimens should be housed in a more spacious enclosure.

    Decor

    Provide adequate shelter, especially in the upper part of the terrarium. Use lots of horizontal branches and hang plants between them where animals can hide. You can also use hollow cork logs for them to climb and hide. Animals will almost never spend time on the ground, but a good soil captures residues and facilitates the maintenance of higher humidity. Think, for example, in a coco peat soil mixed with bark and leaves and/or moss.

    Temperature and humidity

    Young animals need high humidity throughout the year, while adults naturally have a drier period from August to October. High humidity is especially necessary for younger animals to ensure they shed properly. If this species is kept too dry, it usually sheds its skin in parts and it is not uncommon for remains of the old molt to remain attached to the tail. If these debris go unnoticed the circulation at the tip of the tail can be cut off and it could die and fall off..

    The average temperature should be 25C on the cool side and 27C / 29C on the warmer side. Of course, they are not basking animals and to thermoregulate they move between warmer and cooler sections in the forest or garden. in the terrarium, this usually means that the temperatures in the highest section of the terrarium are higher than those in the lower parts. So, make sure there are plenty of places to climb and hide in all areas and sections of the terrarium. Heating can be done with a solar point (ceramic) or a thermal panel against the roof of the terrarium. Make sure that you Amazon tree boa cannot come into contact with the lamp or can curl around it, as this can cause a burn.

    Yes, you Amazon tree boa it's a lot on the ground, this may be due to health problems, to excessive temperatures in the upper part or to the lack of hiding places in the upper layers of the terrarium. Note that also pregnant females usually lie on the ground before giving birth..

    Illumination

    The Amazon tree boa lends itself well to a bioactive setup. In this case, it is best to use an LED or fluorescent tube to illuminate the enclosure. illuminate from 11 to 13 hours a day.

    Diet

    The Amazon tree boa it is very easy to feed, if it moves and is hot it will be prey. Young animals can be fed pinkies which are replaced by fuzzys as they grow. When they reach 12 months of age usually feed on prey such as the jumping mouse. Adult animals feed well on a diet of adult mice and chicks.. Make sure the dam is not too big, since they are very thin snakes. Hatchlings and juveniles can be fed once a week, While the (sub)adults can feed on one prey every 14 days.

    Buy one "Amazon tree boa"

    The price of a "Amazon tree boa" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 300 – 600 EUR.

    Videos "Amazon tree boa"

    Corallus hortulanus (Amazon tree boa)

    Amazon Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus)

    Alternative names:

    1. Amazon tree boa, Macabrel, Cook’s tree boa, common tree boa, Garden tree boa (English).
    2. Boa d’Amazonie, Boa de cook (French).
    3. Hundskopfboa, Gartenboa (German).
    4. Suaçubóia, cobra-de-veado (Portuguese).
    5. "Boa arborícola amazónica", Cascabel dormillon, Boa arborícola (español).

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    Indian python
    - Python molurus

    The Indian python it is the dream snake for many terrarium keepers. His attractive appearance, its imposing size and its temperament, generally quiet, contribute significantly to this popularity.
    Indian python
    Indian python (Python molurus molurus) at the San Diego Zoo, EE.UU. – Tigerpython, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    The Indian python (Python molurus) stretches across the lower half of the Asian continent. The western limit of the species is believed to be the Indus Valley. It can extend to the north, in Quingchuan county of Sichuan province (China), and to the south, in Borneo.

    The Indian python appears to be absent from the Malay Peninsula. It has not yet been determined whether the populations scattered across several of the smaller islands are native or feral populations. (escaped pets).

    There are two recognized subspecies of Python molurus that are separated by their geographical distribution area and by certain physical characteristics:

  • Python molurus bivittatus, (burmese python) Kuhl, 1820. The larger of the two. thought to range from Myanmar east through South Asia to China and Indonesia. It is not present on the island of Sumatra. Introduced specimens have been seen in the Florida Everglades.
  • Python molurus molurus (Linnaeus, 1758). She is native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka y Nepal.

  • Characteristics / Appearance

    The Indian python splits into two recognized subspecies, that can be distinguished by their physical characteristics. The burmese pythons, P. molurus bivitatus, They can reach a length of about 7,6 m (25 feet), and can weigh up to 137 kg (300 pounds). The Indian python, P. molurus molurus, smaller, reaching a maximum of 6,4 m (21 feet) of length and a weight of 91 kg (200 pounds). The skins of both subspecies are marked with a mosaic-like rectangular pattern that runs the entire length of the animal.. P. molurus bivitatus has a darker color, with shades of brown and dark cream colored rectangles stretching out on a black background. This subspecies is also characterized by an arrow-shaped mark present on the top of the head., which starts the pattern. P. molurus molurus has similar markings with light brown and tan rectangles set against a typically cream background. P. molurus molurus he only has a partial arrow-shaped mark on the top of his head. Each scale of P. molurus molurus is one color.

    The Indian python it is dimorphic, being the females of both subspecies longer and heavier than the males. Males have cloacal spurs., or vestigial limbs, larger than females. The cloacal spurs are two projections, one on each side of the anal opening, which are believed to be extensions of the hind limbs.

    Habitat

    The Indian python found in a variety of habitats including tropical forests, river valleys, forests, scrub, grassy swamps and semi rocky foothills. They are usually found in habitats with areas that can provide sufficient cover. This species is never found very far from water sources and seems to prefer very humid terrain..

    Behavior

    Indian python
    Indian python, Python molurus molurus, Family: Boidae, Location: Germany, Stuttgart, Zoo Garden – Holger Krisp, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Indian python is a solitary species. Mating is the only time these snakes are commonly found in pairs.. The Indian python usually moves only when food is scarce or when threatened. They can stalk their prey, first locating them by their scent or sensing the body heat of the prey with their thermal pits, and then following the trail. These snakes are mainly found on the ground, but sometimes they climb trees. The Indian python also often found in or near water. They are expert swimmers and can remain submerged without breathing for up to thirty minutes at a time.. During the colder months, starting in October and ending in February, the Indian python remains hidden and usually enters a brief period of hibernation until the temperature rises again.

    Developing

    the breeding of Indian python it is precocial when it is born. They become independent shortly after hatching.. They reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years of age, as long as they have the right body weight.

    Reproduction

    The Indian python reaches sexual maturity between 2-3 years of age, as long as you have the right body weight. At that time the courtship behavior can begin. During courtship, the male surrounds the female with his body and runs his tongue repeatedly over her head and body. Once they line their sewers, the male uses his vestigial legs to massage the female and stimulate her. Next, the female raises her tail for the male to insert a hemipenis (has two) in the female's cloaca. This process lasts between 5 and 30 minutes. About 3-4 months later, the female lays up 100 eggs, each weighing up to 207 g.. Right now, the female often coils around the eggs to prepare for the incubation period. Incubation lasts between 2 and 3 months.

    during incubation, the female of Indian python uses muscle contractions “shaking chills” to raise your body temperature slightly above the temperature of the surrounding air. It is very rare for the mother to abandon the eggs during incubation.. Once the eggs hatch, pups quickly become independent.

    Food

    The Indian python is carnivorous. Their diet consists mainly of live prey. Their staple foods are rodents and other mammals.. A small part of their diet consists of birds, amphibians and reptiles. when looking for food, the Indian python stalk its prey, ambush or carrion. These snakes have very poor eyesight. To make up for this, the species has a highly developed sense of smell, and heat pits within each scale along the upper lip, that feel the heat of the nearby prey. The Indian python kills its prey by biting and constricting it until it suffocates. Then they swallow the prey whole. To accomplish the feat of swallowing prey, it dislocates its jaw and stretches its highly elastic skin around the prey.. This allows these snakes to swallow food much larger than their own heads.. In cases of scavenging there is no constriction of the prey

    Life expectancy

    Half life in captivity 15,8 years

    Threats to the species

    State of conservation ⓘ


    Status Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

    The Indian python (Python molurus) It is listed by the IUCN as low risk., near-threatened. Since the 14 in June of 1976, P. molurus is listed by the United States ESA as endangered throughout its range. The subspecies P. molurus molurus is listed as endangered in Appendix I of CITES. Other subspecies of P. molurus are included in Appendix II, Like all other species of Pythonidae.

    There is a large number of exports for the pet trade. The skin of the Indian python is highly valued in the fashion industry due to its exotic appearance. In its native range it is also hunted as a food source.

    The "Indian python" in captivity

    albino indian python
    Indian python bee – Xevi VFlickr

    The Indian python it is the dream snake for many terrarium keepers. His attractive appearance, its imposing size and its temperament, generally quiet, contribute significantly to this popularity.

    This species is listed in Appendix A of the European Species Protection Ordinance and you can't have it without permission. Many countries have also created legal breeding requirements so that the Indian python, as potentially dangerous wild animals, is cared for properly and competently and do not pose a danger to the public.

    The terrarium

    The most important thing is that the host enclosure contains the snake safely. After all, post requirements are less important once the snake has disappeared into that hole in the wall behind the washing machine because you forgot to secure it properly.

    The size of the terrarium should be large enough to allow the snake a reasonable amount of movement., but small enough to allow precise temperature and humidity control. The Indian python it is a terrestrial snake that spends most of its time on the ground, so the floor space of your enclosure will be more important to the animal than the height of the cage.

    A brood of Indian python You will need the space equivalent of a reptile terrarium of 40 litres. Larger individuals will need more space, of course. an animal of 90 kg will need a floor space of at least 250 cm x 120 cm.. I recommend that the enclosure have a floor space equivalent to four to six times the area of ​​the snake itself when in a flat coil. The cage should also have a door that allows easy access and can be closed safely.. A glass or plexiglass window is also important to be able to see. Some ventilation is desirable., although not as much as you might initially think. Heat and moisture are easily lost through the vents, especially those in the upper part of the enclosure. Small vents located on the sides of the cage will allow for proper air exchange.

    Timber, plastic and glass are acceptable materials for terrarium construction. Enclosures constructed of ABS plastic can be used, that have a smooth, nonporous finish that allows for easy cleaning and sterilization. Snake habitat products can make this difficult, so sometimes simplicity is the best option. All corners and edges must be rounded, so there are no hard-to-clean areas. Terrariums are light, have large tempered glass viewing areas and, the best of all, someone has already done. Regular and spot cleaning with proper reptile cleaning supplies is required.

    Substrate

    There are several decent substrates for snakes available. It is virtually impossible to provide a naturalistic vivarium for a large ball python., unless the strongest materials are used. Substrates are generally selected for utility rather than aesthetics. Newspaper is absorbent, fairly sterile and easy to get. Various woods are also acceptable, chips and crushed substrate products, although they tend to get dirty in humid environments.

    Heating and lighting

    The Indian python prefer temperatures of about 26 Celsius degrees. Slightly cooler temperatures are allowed at night. In fact, cooler night temperatures are essential for the breeding of the Indian python, in case you want to undertake this task.

    Since the Indian python requires temperatures above what we consider comfortable in our homes, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the enclosure with a supplementary heat source. This heat can be provided in various ways. It is preferable to use a heating pad, like the Zilla heating pad, or heat tape under the enclosure. Heating pads or under-enclosure heaters are available at many pet stores that carry supplies for reptiles.. Provide safe and even heating for the smallest rooms. Thermal tape is also available and serves the same purpose, although it allows more flexibility to heat larger areas more economically. There are also various types of heat lamps for snakes., that are effective. There are many types of reptile heat lamps and accessories to choose from..

    But, it is important to give the snake some option to determine its own temperature. In the wild, the animal could thermoregulate by moving freely between warmer and cooler zones. These options are limited in captivity, but by proper heater placement, it is possible to give the snake some control over its own temperature. Must have a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is specific to each species. Maximum thermal gradient can be obtained by placing the heater at one end of the enclosure rather than in the center. The snake will get hotter closer to the heater and will get cooler as the distance from the heater increases. This will give the snake a greater range of options to regulate its own temperature..

    It should be noted that the heater has two purposes. Provides a warm zone for the snake to increase its body temperature, but it also provides heat that increases the ambient temperature of the enclosure. Depending on the type, the size and construction of the terrarium, the heat loss from the cage and the temperature of the air outside the cage, the heater may need to be much hotter than the average temperature of the enclosure itself. This is cause for alarm for many newbies. It is perfectly acceptable to have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more directly above (or below) from the heat source if this is necessary to maintain the desired room temperature. But, always make sure the snake can retreat to a cooler area when it sees fit.

    The room temperature can be regulated in several ways. In the first and most primitive, temperature can be controlled by initially selecting a heater with a wattage that provides the acceptable amount of heat. If the environmental conditions outside the enclosure are constant and the power of the heater is the same, the temperature inside the cage should also be. It is difficult to select a heater with exactly the necessary heat output, and the constant conditions outside the terrarium are not always as constant as they could be. A rheostat or dimmer switch can adjust the heat output of a heater by adjusting the power input, the other problem can be overcome by using a controller with a feedback system.

    Since a thermostat monitors the temperature of the enclosure and activates the heater to add heat when appropriate, is by far the best method for controlling cage temperature. There are two types of thermostats on the market for use in animal related applications. Conventional on/off type works like your home thermostat; senses when the temperature has dropped below a certain level and directs the heater to add heat until the set temperature is reached, such as the Zilla Terrarium Reptile Habitat and Heat Controller. A proportional thermostat is much like a rheostat with a feedback system.. Thermostat continuously monitors temperature and makes slight adjustments to heater electrical current. in this guy, the heat is always on, but only to the level necessary to maintain the set temperature. Proportional thermostats eliminate fluctuations caused by cycling on and off of conventional type thermostats and provide continuous heat from the heat source. The Indian python wild lives in areas of high humidity, and captive animals require the same. Adding heat to the enclosure can dry it out and measures must be taken to retain moisture.. A well built terrarium, with a container for water and a minimum of ventilation grilles, should keep the relative humidity above the 60 per cent, approximately. Wooden terrariums must be painted and sealed.

    Mesh-top terrariums are difficult to regulate. Heat rises and escapes through the top, which requires additional heat to maintain the proper temperature, which dries out the enclosure even more. Terrariums should have lids that limit heat and moisture loss.

    Feeding of the Indian python

    feed the Indian python it's quite simple. I feed a proper size meal whenever the snake is hungry. The breeding of the Indian python can an adult mouse eat during its first feeding, which is surprising to many novice snake keepers. Several sensory systems are at work in a python when it feeds. First of all, the food should smell like something to eat. In second place, the food must move in the form of a potential meal. And third, the food must be warmer than its surroundings. The Indian python eats only warm-blooded prey and has sensory organs (pits) to detect the slight amount of heat generated by the body from a potential food. A combination of these factors appears to be important in eliciting a feeding response in the newborn Python.. Pink mice don't normally move in a way that would interest a baby python., and although I think they must smell like mice, do not generate and retain body heat very well.

    Once a baby python has had its first meals, it may learn behaviors that allow it to recognize and eat pre-killed food items, or even chicken parts or processed snake food. It is sometimes recommended to feed snakes only dead food to avoid potential injuries that could be inflicted by the struggling prey item.. It's important to remember, However, that nearly every meal taken by a python in the history of the species has been live. Nature has prepared them well to deal with the possible problems associated with. But, frozen and pre-cut food makes things easier for us, and perhaps that should be the most important consideration.

    As the snake grows, will need more food, of course. During the first meals, a mouse offered once or twice a week will suffice. But, soon the snake will need more than one mouse at each meal. When the snake regularly eats several mice per meal, try to offer him a little rat. When a Indian python measure some 1 Metro, should be able to take a medium rat; with 1,5 m, a large rat would be appropriate. There is a young rabbit that is equivalent in mass to a very large rat; substitute one of these as the snake grows, and increase the size of the rabbits as the snake increases in size. Chickens are also a good source of food; the Indian python newborn can eat a day old chick, and to the 3 meters can eat an adult chicken.

    Water for the Indian python

    The Indian python should always have access to fresh water. A heavy ceramic bowl, It works well. It is not necessary for the snakes to be able to submerge in the water dish.

    Management and temperament Indian python

    The Indian python, due to its docile nature and undemanding requirements, it is one of the most suitable snakes as a captive animal.

    Snakes only have limited reasoning ability. Trust me, this statement is quite generous. Keepers can condition a snake to think (I am generous again) that every time the door of her cage is opened she will be fed. If the snake is infrequently handled and most of its interaction with its handler occurs during feeding time, This conditioning is reinforced. with the big snakes, especially, it is important that the snake learns to differentiate the time to eat from other times, and you from his dinner. The thought processes that have brought you to your current situation will matter little when the mouth of your snake clings to your forearm.. What this means is that it is a very good idea to be aware of your snake's location and orientation when feeding or when servicing its cage.. If a snake is hungry when I open the cage, I tap her on the nose with a rolled up newspaper. This is usually enough to let you know it's not time to eat.. It is also best not to house more than one snake per cage., and it is essential not to feed more than one snake in a cage at the same time.

    Buy one "Indian python"

    The Indian python is available in a variety of colors and patterns, with new traits and combinations of traits that are available more frequently. They are usually available from captive breeders or online reptile stores.. It is important to check local laws and regulations regarding the species.

    The price of a baby of this species ranges from 100 and 200 EUR.

    Videos "Indian python"

    Indian Rock Python or Python molurus, with porcupine quill stuck in his body

    Piton Burmes - Python Molurus - GIGANTE

    Alternative names:

    1. Indian python, Black-tailed python, Indian rock python, Asian rock python. (English).
    2. Python indien (French).
    3. Heller Tigerpython (German).
    4. Píton-indiana (Portuguese).
    5. "Pitón de la India" (español).

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    African house snake
    - Boaedon fuliginosus

    The African house snake inhabits arid areas near the Atlantic coast, plains with formations of euphorbias and other bushes.
    African house snake
    African house snake (Lamprophis fuliginosus) at the louisville zoo – Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    They have been given the trivial name of African house snake because it is very common to find them in the vicinity and also inside houses.
    The Boaedon fuliginosus lives in Africa west and south of the Sahara. It reaches Morocco in the northwest, Somalia in the northeast and South Africa in the south.

    Characteristics / Appearance

    The females reach a total length of around one meter and are also stronger than the males.. They only grow half as thick and are fully developed at 60-80 cm.. Color ranges from dark brown to light brown, and lighter colored animals often have a pattern of spots on the anterior third. The light stripe on the right and left side of the head is characteristic. But, there are also specimens in which the stripe can extend almost to the middle of the body.

    Habitat

    The African house snake inhabits arid areas near the Atlantic coast, plains with formations of euphorbias and other bushes, areas with scattered bushes and trees, rocky coastal areas, including habitat with very little shrubby size, etc.

    In their natural habitats, they feed mainly on medium-sized mammals and bats.

    Behavior

    In terms of the behavior, the African house snake will try to flee if threatened, but he can also adopt his well-known bullying behavior, raising the head and neck and flattening it to form a cap or hood.

    Threats to the species

    The main causes of mortality for this species could be road accidents and death in other infrastructures in which they fall, becoming trapped and ultimately dying by drowning or starvation, like empty pools. Direct deaths at the hands of people and possible captures for trafficking and sale of animals could also be of some relevance..

    The "African house snake" in captivity

    So that these terrarium animals are worthily kept in captivity, Terrariums with minimum dimensions of 150 x 60 x 60 cm.. The snakes measure up to 120 cm long in females (until 80 cm in males) and can be kept individually or in a group. They are non-venomous animals.

    The terrarium

    Keeping snakes as pets is quite easy, as they have no special humidity or temperature requirements.

    The African house snake it is not a climbing snake, which does not mean that there should not be branches in the enclosure. In some cases they are also found in the upper zone, since it is warmer there because of the lighting. Temperatures should not drop below 18-20°C at night and around 25-28°C during the day. Locally, a spotlight can be used for a warm spot, where the temperature can then be about 35°C. A cork tube for hiding and a water container complete the terrarium equipment. To make it more attractive and have more moisture, I should also place a climbing plant (for example, a philodendron) in the container.

    Buy one "African house snake"

    The price of a "African house snake" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 80 – 100 EUR.

    Videos "African house snake"

    Boaedon fuliginosus, Parc National du Diawling, Mauritania

    Baby snakes

    Alternative names:

    1. African house snake (English).
    2. Serpent des maisons africain, Serpent des maisons (French).
    3. Braune Hausschlange, Afrikanische Hausschlange, Hausschlange (German).
    4. Cobra doméstica africana, Cobra doméstica marrom (Portuguese).
    5. "Culebra de casa africana", Culebra común africana, Culebra africana de las casas (español).

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    Diadem snake
    - Spalerosophis diadema

    Quite large, reaching some 150-200 cm length. the head of the Diadem snake is elongated, slightly triangular and clearly separated from the neck.
    Diadem snake
    A Clifford's Serpent (Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi) at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo – SuperJew, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    The Diadem snake (Spalerosophis diadema) inhabits from northwestern Africa and Asia Minor, through the Arabian Peninsula to Pakistan, Nepal and North India.

    Three subspecies of S. diadema, including the nominotypic subspecies, and are found as follows.

  • Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi (Schlegel, 1837) – from Morocco to Egypt and Israel (type locality: Tripoli, Libya)
  • Spalerosophis diadema diadema (Schlegel, 1837) – in India, Pakistan (type locality: about “Bombay”, India)
  • Spalerosophis diadema schiraziana (Jan, 1865) – Zagros Mountains and the Bushire region in western Iran, east to southern Turkmenistan in Afghanistan and India; Pakistan (type locality: Shiraz, Iran)

  • Characteristics / Appearance

    Quite large, reaching some 150-200 cm length. The head is elongated, slightly triangular and clearly separated from the neck. The eyes are large, with a round pupil that constricts to a point in bright light. Basic coloration varies, can be gray, yellow, ocher or reddish with red or brown spots on the middle of the back and smaller spots on the flanks.

    Habitat

    The Diadem snake lives in the ground, often found under stones, in rock crevices or rodent burrows, feeding on lizards and small rodents. Largely diurnal in spring, hunt at night in summer, mainly mice and rats. hibernate during 2-3 months. Mating takes place in May. They are of 2 to 16 eggs, glued together to form a clutch. The young hatch after about four months.

    Behavior

    The Diadem snake it is not dangerous for humans, or it is very little. The poison has only a weak toxic effect. They mainly live in rocky deserts. During periods of rest, they seek refuge in the burrows of rodents.. They are both day and night, according to the season of the year.

    Reproduction

    Mating season usually begins shortly after hibernation, which is usually from March or April. Shortly after successful mating, the female lays between 5 and 10 eggs, rarely more, in a shallow depression in the ground, depending on age and nutritional status. Depending on the ambient temperature, The young are born after 60 to 90 days. They have a hatching length of 27 to 30 centimeters and fend for themselves immediately after hatching. The female does not take care of the young.. At the beginning, young snakes feed mainly on small lizards and other small animals. Under favorable circumstances and depending on the subspecies, life expectancy is 13 to 15 years.

    Threats to the species

    The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List, what should be checked.

    International trade is not regulated by CITES.

    The "Diadem snake" in captivity

    The terrarium

    The Diadem snake can reach a maximum length of 150 cm and live until 15 years. For this large exotic species, a terrarium of at least 150 x 75 x 50 cm.. A mixture of sand and bark mulch is suitable as a substrate. Spalerosophis diadema also likes climbing facilities and hiding places. stone or rock structures, roots or branches are suitable for it.

    The daytime temperature should be between 25 and 30°C with low humidity (the ventilation of the terrarium is more important than the humidity). The night temperature should be reduced to 24°C. The Diadem snake during the winter months 2-3 months and the temperature should be between 10 y 16°C. Humidity, for its part, should be about 60 %.

    The Diadem snake feeds on lizards and small rodents. The size of the food depends on the size of the snake. We feed the snakes with frog mice.

    breeding of the Diadem snake in the terrarium

    The Diadem snake (Spalerosophis diadema) has already been successfully bred in the terrarium. females lay eggs. A clutch can contain some 10 eggs. After 2 to 3 months, hatchlings hatch.

    Buy one "Diadem snake"

    The price of a "Diadem snake" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 150 – 200 EUR.

    Videos "Diadem snake"

    Desert snake / diadem snake , Spalerosophis diadema

    Diadem rat snake - Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi

    Alternative names:

    1. Diadem snake, Royal snake (English).
    2. Couleuvre à diadème (French).
    3. Diademschlange, Königsschlange (German).
    4. Cobra diadema, Cobra real (Portuguese).
    5. "Serpiente de Diadema", Serpiente real, Culebra de Diadema (español).

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    Painted bronzeback
    - Dendrelaphis pictus

    The Painted bronzeback It is the most common type of snakes of the genus Dendrelaphis. Active during the day, usually wanders in trees, plants or bushes.
    Painted bronzeback
    Bogor Painted bronzeback, West Java, Indonesian – W.A. Djatmiko (Wie146), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    The Painted bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus) is present in Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesian, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Their presence is uncertain in Burma.

    Characteristics / Appearance

    The coloration of the Painted bronzeback it is olive or brown above with a yellow lateral stripe, bordered below by a dark line between outer and ventral scales. A black stripe on each side of the head passes through the eye, widens or splits into spots, separated by bluish-green bands on nape. The upper lip is yellow and the lower surface is yellowish or greenish.. Head and body length is approx. 740 mm and the tail of 440 mm.

    Habitat

    The habitats of the Painted bronzeback range from tropical rainforests to plantations and agriculture. This snake is also often found near human settlements..

    Behavior

    The Painted bronzeback It is the most common type of snakes of the genus Dendrelaphis. Active during the day, usually wanders in trees, plants or bushes. This snake sometimes also roams on the ground or in the grass. Like other species of snakes of the genus Dendrelaphis, this snake is not poisonous and has fangs type Aglypha, which is a uniform arrangement of teeth without fangs. feeling threatened, this snake will flatten its neck, so that on both sides of his neck the edges of bluish scales will be seen.

    The main food of Painted bronzeback are the types of lizards, geckos and little frogs / toads.

    This species reproduces by laying eggs. (oviparous). The number of eggs produced is 2 to 10 eggs. Each newly hatched young snake measures about 25 cm length.

    Threats to the species

    State of conservation ⓘ


    Status Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

    The Painted bronzeback has recently been assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2019.

    This species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution., its presumed large global population and because it is found in several protected areas, has tolerance to a degree of habitat modification and appears to exist as a stable population.

    The "Painted bronzeback" in captivity

    This beautiful creature is highly adaptable to a wide range of habitats., making it a popular item for the pet trade. Their abundance in Southeast Asia has also made them vulnerable to poachers.. They can be easily found in online stores and are often sold out..

    The terrarium

    Temperature: 25 – 30C. Illumination: 10 – 12 hours. They do not need UVB. Humidity: 50 – 70%. Recommended terrarium dimensions: 120 x 60 x 40 cm.. captive feeding: basically rodents. Due to lack of natural food resources, many keepers have to change their snakes diet from frogs and lizards to rodents and worms. Snakes that don't prefer their new diet have to be force-fed, which can be dangerous and easily cause injury to snakes.

    Behavior

    Son hibernantes, varying the time of hibernation according to the terrestrial latitude, being longer at high latitudes of its distribution than at low latitudes. Their defense mechanism against predators is based on a strong bite and the expulsion of feces when they are caught.. Temperament in front of their peers: They are usually ophiophagous. Temperament in front of the human being: Passive.

    Buy one "Painted bronzeback"

    The price of a "Painted bronzeback" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 50 – 100 EUR.

    Videos "Painted bronzeback"

    Painted bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus)

    Dendrelaphis pictus jump 1

    Alternative names:

    1. Painted bronzeback, Common bronzeback, Indonesian bronzeback, Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake
    (English).
    2. Coluber decorus, Ahaetulla boig, Ahaetulla bellii, Ahaetulla fasciata, Dendrophis proarchos, Serpent darbre bronze doré (French).
    3. Gefleckte Bronzenatter, Gemeine Bronzenatter (German).
    4. Cobra bronzeback pintada (Portuguese).
    5. "Culebra de dorso de bronce pintado" (español).

    ▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians

    Striped house snake
    - Boaedon lineatus

    the care of the Striped house snake in a terrarium it is quite simple, since it does not pose special demands in terms of humidity levels or temperature.
    Striped house snake
    Photo of a captive Lamprophis lineatus – Erikpaterson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Origin / Distribution

    The Striped house snake (Boaedon lineatus) it is a small harmless snake that is found in almost all of Africa, except in the desert sand.
    The English name refers to the fact that they are very often found in the vicinity of human dwellings., and even within them.

    Characteristics / Appearance

    The females reach approximately one meter in length and are more robust than the males.. The latter are usually half as thick and reach 60-80 cm.. Background color ranges from dark brown to light brown, and the lighter colored specimens usually present a pattern of spots on the anterior third of the body. A characteristic feature is the presence of a light colored stripe on both sides of the head. This stripe can continue almost halfway down the body in some specimens..

    Habitat

    The Striped house snake inhabits pastures, savannah and cultivated land, sinanthrope, under fallen leaves or rocks, in holes or termite mounds, not in dense forests

    Behavior

    The Striped house snake It is nocturnal, but sometimes she is also seen sunbathing during the day. They are placid snakes that only attack rarely. If you take it easy, they will not try to attack, but the exceptions confirm the rule also in this case. The Striped house snake feeds on mice, Therefore, it is very easy to care for.

    Threats to the species

    As many people fear snakes, many of them are killed on sight. Those who know them as harmless appreciate that they feed on mice and tolerate their presence. Fortunately, in many African regions there are initiatives to educate the population about the usefulness of snakes. Teams of tutors travel through their countries and do not just show photos, they show people that live specimens have nothing to fear.

    The "Striped house snake" in captivity

    Fairly quiet, nocturnal, easy to handle. Good species for beginners.

    The terrarium

    the care of the Striped house snake in a terrarium it is quite simple, since it does not pose special demands in terms of humidity levels or temperature. Your terrarium should not be less than 80 x 40 x 40 cm. , but larger terrariums are advantageous, maybe of 100 x 40 x 50 cm. . Although the Striped house snake not exactly known for her climbing skills, this does not mean that climbing branches are not needed to equip a terrarium for her. From time to time, you will find them wandering around the top of their terrariums, as this is where the overhead lamps create the warmest zone. Temperatures should not drop below 18-20°C at night and hover around 25-28°C during the day. A localized hot spot offering about 35°C under a spotlight is a useful adjunct. A cork tube and a water container complete the terrarium equipment. For aesthetic reasons and to maintain the humidity level, a climbing plant should also be placed (for example, a philodendron) in the tank.

    Reproduction

    From copulation to egg laying no more than two months pass. It can be made up of 7 and 13 eggs. Placed in an incubator at 25-28°C, after a while quite considerable offspring emerge. They already look like their parents and are up to 15 cm length. This size makes it easy to rear in most cases., because they are already able to feed on mouse pups. Individuals that refuse to feed are rare, but they happen from time to time. Baby snakes should always be fed individually, since they are very voracious. If they are allowed to feed in a group without supervision, it can happen that a snake consumes a brother along with a pink mouse. This is usually described as “accident”, but it is actually a consequence of poor husbandry practices for the young. Apart from that, create offspring of Striped house snake It is easy.

    Buy one "Striped house snake"

    The price of a "Striped house snake" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 80 – 140 EUR.

    Videos "Striped house snake"

    🐍 Striped African house snake (Boaedon lineatus - Lamprophis lineatus) Information :)🐍

    Boaedon lineatus female (striped house snake)

    Alternative names:

    1. Striped house snake (English).
    2. Serpent des maisons (French).
    3. Gestreifte Hausschlange (German).
    4. Cobra listrada (Portuguese).
    5. "Serpiente de casa rayada", Culebra ratonera lineatus (español).