Terry,



Very interesting take on the origin of the Blue Beauty behavior and coloration. I think you're right about them being very racer-like - many people have described the various taeniura spp. as being more racer-like than ratsnake-like. I wouldn't unequivocally say that Blues are arboreal, however I think the tail is a very strong indicator, especially when you see how they employ it in vertical cages.



I do think that it's entirely possible that Blues and other taeniura spp. are opportunists and will be more arboreal as conditions and prey permit, much as we find black ratsnakes up in trees poaching nests of birds.



On that other note, I'll will get some means of posting pics here in the next few days and I'll post a picture of the setup I'm currently using for my Taiwans.



On another note - as regards this particular thread, I believe I've seen the Emerald Tree Boa/Green Tree Python similarity described as *convergent* evolution in at least one if not more of my many snake books.
-----
Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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