for gaigea ...



I just got back from the western mountains in Panama .. hunting for gaigea but with no luck. I was shocked at how cool it was and the locals say that this is one of the warmest times of year.



I get the impression that it is "fall" there right now and that their summer was just a little warmer with more rain then I got when I was there. The crops lined up with that theory and also the local description of the weather was that. They don't go by our typical 4 seasons anywhere in Panama.



I was using a temp gun reading the forrest floor, grass in the sun and pavement in the sun and shade. I wish I documented this better but here are some rough temperatures ...



Daytime forrest floor and bush 55-60

Nightime forrest floor and bush 50-55

Sunny vegetation (moist) - 55-65



Daytime highs were aproximately 70 (in town) and I think the highest reading I took on any vegetation was something like 62 even in full sun.



Now I was a little out of the habitat venturing into dense forrest but basically I think temperatures of 80 degrees at this altitude are unheard of. I could be wrong. One other thing to keep in mind is that they don't really get dry heat in this climate either .. its always moist, damp and cool if not soaking wet and cold. Even in the sun the natural ground doesn't often warm up or dry out.



I don't even think I took blacktop readings much higher than 80 in the sun. I will have to check my photos. In good sun at lower elevations the pavement was easily 130 or higher ...



I think room temperatures of a northern climate would be perfect for this snake if not too warm in the summer (50-60 in winter and 65-75 in summer?) .. the main thing to keep in mind I think is that they have a great metabolism and don't burn many calories at this temperature so they probably don't need to eat much - especially when its a rodent diet.
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Jon Wedow

Sharp Dressed Snakes

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