Yes, it is getting old but I can see why people wanting to add Ruthveni into their collections (especially those new to keeping) ask these questions. They do not want to acquire and possibly breed hybrid LA pines down the line.

The pine in question is actually a stunning looking herp. Certainly does not resemble any of the very limited pics of Ruthveni that I have come across.

There was someone who once mentioned that there was an individual years ago that wanted to work up a DNA profile for Ruthveni. Supposedly reached out to all the known breeders of Ruthveni but none would submit samples (sheds, scales and what have you) to him. I'll try to search back on this.

Personally, I prefer pinesnakes but have passed on acquiring Ruthveni in the past. I did not want to mess with the headache. Next season though, I plan on adding a few. I keep so few herps now, only pines, that I might as well round out the group by keeping all 4 types, some say 5, if including Mexican Pines (Bulls, Gophers or ???).

Pituophis peeps, Have a great New Year.

[ Hide Replies ]

• Steve Jensen/Audubon Zoo outcrosses? - monklet, Sat Dec 26 11:11:12 2009
• Correction - monklet, Mon Dec 28 10:58:39 2009
• RE: Correction - DanielsDen, Mon Dec 28 17:13:54 2009
• RE: Correction - jcherry, Wed Dec 30 16:09:35 2009
• RE: Correction - SJensen, Thu Dec 31 05:29:50 2009
• Thanks Steve - DanielsDen, Thu Dec 31 08:21:32 2009
• RE: Correction - monklet, Thu Dec 31 09:42:11 2009
• RE: Correction - RichH, Thu Dec 31 18:09:32 2009
• RE: Correction - tvandeventer, Thu Dec 31 18:32:45 2009
• RE: Correction - RichH, Thu Dec 31 19:59:53 2009
• RE: Correction - monklet, Thu Dec 31 20:10:11 2009
• RE: Correction - KevinM, Thu Dec 31 21:55:06 2009
• La (as in Louisiana) Pura Vida - monklet, Mon Dec 28 11:05:22 2009