One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is by looking at the head scales. MGB's have larger head scales than Dum's (Dum's head scales are like a BCI).
As far as size goes, MGB's are larger than Dum's. The Dum's average between 5-7ft (personal experience) with occassional snakes reaching 10ft plus, I have a 7ft female and a 9ft female. MGB's average more in the 8-10ft range. Both are heavy bodied snakes. My 9ft female weighs around 45lbs.
Temperaments vary in both species. All of the Dum's that I have delt with have had great attitudes. I don't have alot of experience with MGB's, but they seem to be like the Dum's.
Color and pattern vary with both. MGB's tend to have very little saddling in the dorsal pattern and tend to be lighter in overall color. Dum's can saddle up like a BCI or BCC and some will have alot of zig-zagging in the saddles. Dum's coloration can range from dark to very light and there are some very nice "Red" Dum's.
Both Dum's & MGB's will have the pure white throat patches.

As far as availability goes, MGB's are not as consistently bred as Dum's. Just like most snakes, the prettier they are the more expensive they are. The average cost for a neonate Dum is around $125 and MGB's tend to float around the $400-600 mark. They are both wonderful snakes. If you can find a good priced MGB and can afford it, then buy it. But, Dum's are always gonna be easier to find.
-----
1.3 dumerils boas, 1.0 albino burmese python, 0.0.1 wc prairie kingsnake, 0.2 bearded dragons, 0.0.1 sulcata tortoise

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]