Well, in reality the term "tolerant" is all very relative to many different things. All snakes must be able to effectively thermo-regulate themselves for their different needs at any particular time, for any given environment and/or situation. But Eastern milks are found as far north as southern Canada around Ontario and Quebec, and down into Maine and on south in some extremely harsh environments. These snakes would obviously not be out in these situations and are naturally very well adapted and programmed to go below the frost line and brumate during these extreme times and would come out in warmer periods during the spring.

And on the other hand(as you mentioned), there are some montane forms like the Black milks(L.t.gaigeae)from the mountains of Panama and Costa Rica and Andean milksnakes(L.t.andesiana) that can be found in the very high elevations of the Andes Mountains of known heights of over 9,000 feet.

I will say that forms like Black milks and Andean milks do NOT tolerate warmer temps nearly as well as snakes of more lower, warmer elevations, and seem to thrive very well with temps in the 70's. Of course it is always best with any type of snake to offer some decent temp gradient on opposite ends of their enclosure so they can choose what is needed at any given time.

Now if a gradient isn't available, they would be better kept at temps of mid to high 70's than many of the others that would do better in the low 80's. Really though it is optimum to offer a range of temps in their enclosure with back-heat, or under-tank heat regardless of what type of milksnake it is. After meals they will seek warmer temps for proper digestion, and afterwards will move toward the cooler end to lower their metabolism to conserve energy and preserve body mass. Also, a humid hide container filled with moist sphagnum moss is a good thing to provide to any snake so they can preserve moisture and assist with shedding properly.


cheers, ~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"


serpentinespecialties.webs.com

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