Re: Tamalupin RatsnakesPIC

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Posted by Terry Cox on July 03, 2002 at 05:59:20:

In Reply to: Re: Tamalupin Ratsnakes***PIC*** posted by Bubba on July 02, 2002 at 08:55:54:

Neither offered to bite, and they were both very sleek, handsome snakes, in spite of what seemed like an scarcity of both water and rodent prey. Are they known to eat other stuff, too? Just curious, because this is one that I'm not very familiar with. By-the-by, what's the scientific name for these? Thanks!

Answer #1.....
Like most ratsnakes, the Mexican night snake (Elaphe flavirufa, I believe, and they have several subspecies), can be calmed down and are quite handleable. I think it's interesting they have retained the name, Elaphe, whereas most of the Southwestern and Mexican species have new genus names.

This species is quite sleek and I believe that has to do with their ecology and habitat. They are mostly nocturnal and they are also arboreal, at least partially. They are great climbers and have a body suitable for that.

Answer #2.....
It's been awhile since I've kept this species, but the ones I had lived strictly on mice, not only the easiest prey item, but the most nutritious. They can and do take other prey, I'm sure. Various ratsnakes take a variety of vertebrates when young, and most ratsnakes (Elaphe) take a variety of warm blooded prey (birds, mammals, and their eggs) when mature. Some take a large number of lizards and other reptiles too. Most Elaphe tend to be very adaptable and generalists, thus can survive harsh conditions, like the occasional drought.

You asked some good questions about one of the most interesting snakes in s. Mexico. I hope you tell us more about what you find down there and the conditions you find them in, like about the rainy season, etc. I think the herpetology of Mexico is fascinating and can't believe there isn't more information about that country. Someone should write a book someday. I'd buy it :) Later, TC.

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: Neither offered to bite, and they were both very sleek, handsome snakes, in spite of what seemed like an scarcity of both water and rodent prey. Are they known to eat other stuff, too? Just curious, because this is one that I'm not very familiar with. By-the-by, what's the scientific name for these? Thanks! : : Answer #1..... : Like most ratsnakes, the Mexican night snake (Elaphe flavirufa, I believe, and they have several subspecies), can be calmed down and are quite handleable. I think it's interesting they have retained the name, Elaphe, whereas most of the Southwestern and Mexican species have new genus names. : This species is quite sleek and I believe that has to do with their ecology and habitat. They are mostly nocturnal and they are also arboreal, at least partially. They are great climbers and have a body suitable for that. : Answer #2..... : It's been awhile since I've kept this species, but the ones I had lived strictly on mice, not only the easiest prey item, but the most nutritious. They can and do take other prey, I'm sure. Various ratsnakes take a variety of vertebrates when young, and most ratsnakes (Elaphe) take a variety of warm blooded prey (birds, mammals, and their eggs) when mature. Some take a large number of lizards and other reptiles too. Most Elaphe tend to be very adaptable and generalists, thus can survive harsh conditions, like the occasional drought. : You asked some good questions about one of the most interesting snakes in s. Mexico. I hope you tell us more about what you find down there and the conditions you find them in, like about the rainy season, etc. I think the herpetology of Mexico is fascinating and can't believe there isn't more information about that country. Someone should write a book someday. I'd buy it :) Later, TC.

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