Re: Spalerosophis diadem subspecies

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Posted by Chris Harper on December 12, 2001 at 13:38:57:

In Reply to: Spalerosophis diadem subspecies posted by jack deryke on December 10, 2001 at 00:47:44:

The taxonomy of this genus is a mess. Many believe that there are actually multiple species in this genus but as of yet it is not recieving much attention from researchers.

To get an idea of how much disagreement there is type Spalerosophis or Diadem Ratsnake into http://www.google.com and see how many different names and scientific names you get.

A friend of mine gave me 1.2 baby Egyptian Ratsnakes (S. d. cliffordi) and his adults fit your description. They were about 30" in length. I should add that this is the only "form" of Spalerosophis that seems to have a consistent scientific name.

Also, some of the older literature refers to these snakes as being mildly venomous due to some toxic salivary products they produce. I believe they do have a Duvenroy's Gland but no modified teeth suitable for injecting. Probably not anything to worry about.

Feel free to e-mail me direct with any other questions. Sorry I could not be of more help.

: I have a so-called Pakistani Jewel ratsnake, according to the breeder 'Spalerosophis D atricepts'. Initially looking like an 8" baby gopher snake, it turned strawberry-red at 2 yrs old with a gloss black head & tail plus scattered black blotches down his 4 ft long body. He behaves more like a racer than a ratsnake although handleable and not nippy. But there is apparently another subspecies (possibly Spalerosophis d cliffordi) that changes to pale yellow with the same black blotches. Can anyone verlfy this is the right subspecies, or do they keep/breed this color subspecies?

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: The taxonomy of this genus is a mess. Many believe that there are actually multiple species in this genus but as of yet it is not recieving much attention from researchers. : To get an idea of how much disagreement there is type Spalerosophis or Diadem Ratsnake into http://www.google.com and see how many different names and scientific names you get. : A friend of mine gave me 1.2 baby Egyptian Ratsnakes (S. d. cliffordi) and his adults fit your description. They were about 30" in length. I should add that this is the only "form" of Spalerosophis that seems to have a consistent scientific name. : Also, some of the older literature refers to these snakes as being mildly venomous due to some toxic salivary products they produce. I believe they do have a Duvenroy's Gland but no modified teeth suitable for injecting. Probably not anything to worry about. : Feel free to e-mail me direct with any other questions. Sorry I could not be of more help. : : I have a so-called Pakistani Jewel ratsnake, according to the breeder 'Spalerosophis D atricepts'. Initially looking like an 8" baby gopher snake, it turned strawberry-red at 2 yrs old with a gloss black head & tail plus scattered black blotches down his 4 ft long body. He behaves more like a racer than a ratsnake although handleable and not nippy. But there is apparently another subspecies (possibly Spalerosophis d cliffordi) that changes to pale yellow with the same black blotches. Can anyone verlfy this is the right subspecies, or do they keep/breed this color subspecies?

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