"the myth that "bug-eyes" in Trans-Pecos Ratsnakes is a result of captive inbreeding."
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Glad you mention this, Dusty, because at least twice at separate CB Shows, I've overheard a conversation where folks were saying the TPRS "bug eye" was from in-breeding.
I smiled and moved on.
To these folks who believe this, I'd recommend they visit these animals in the wild. Observe young as well as older specimens.
IMHO The naturally occurring “bugeyedness” of this animal adds strongly to why they are so endearing!.
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River Road Wild Suboc:
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Davis Mountains Wild Suboc:
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North Davis Mountains Wild Suboc:
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Here's an animal that has a life style very similar to Suboc from the Yucatan Peninsula, MX. These Yucatan Ratsnakes (Pseudelaphe flavirufus phaescens) shun the light and spend the day underground in the porous limestone.
In real life the eyes are quick to catch your attention.
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Regards, Bill McGighan

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