Re: Smooth

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Posted by Dwight Good on November 07, 2001 at 18:31:30:

In Reply to: Re: Smooth posted by Derek B on November 07, 2001 at 09:23:48:

: I am a little hesitant to use the term intergrade, though. To me, an intergrade represents a small population of animals that can be found at the crossing of ranges of two other species or subspecies. However, in coastal NC, and Northern coastal SC, the only obsoleta is the greenish rat. You will not find any black or yellow rats within 75 miles of New Hanover Co. But on a field collecting trip, you will find hundreds of greenish rats. Furthermore, wouldn't it seem that if you bred two intergrade animals, you could expect to hatch out babies that would represent blacks, yellows, and greenish? This does not happen. I have bred greenish for 10 years now and have never hatched anything remotely resembling a black or yellow rat.
: Would love to hear some feedback on this.

Derek,
I agree. Although most people refer to these animals as intergrades (myself included, lol) I believe it would be more accurate to say that they are actually the northernmost population of yellow rat. In fact, Palmer and Braswell refer to them as "yellow" rats in their book, Reptiles of North Carolina. Have you seen or read this book?? It's an awesome reference for anyone interested in NC reptiles.

Take care,
dg

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: : I am a little hesitant to use the term intergrade, though. To me, an intergrade represents a small population of animals that can be found at the crossing of ranges of two other species or subspecies. However, in coastal NC, and Northern coastal SC, the only obsoleta is the greenish rat. You will not find any black or yellow rats within 75 miles of New Hanover Co. But on a field collecting trip, you will find hundreds of greenish rats. Furthermore, wouldn't it seem that if you bred two intergrade animals, you could expect to hatch out babies that would represent blacks, yellows, and greenish? This does not happen. I have bred greenish for 10 years now and have never hatched anything remotely resembling a black or yellow rat. : : Would love to hear some feedback on this. : Derek, : I agree. Although most people refer to these animals as intergrades (myself included, lol) I believe it would be more accurate to say that they are actually the northernmost population of yellow rat. In fact, Palmer and Braswell refer to them as "yellow" rats in their book, Reptiles of North Carolina. Have you seen or read this book?? It's an awesome reference for anyone interested in NC reptiles. : Take care, : dg

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