Physical Characteristics: This sub-specie, as hatchlings, is a typical tri-coloured snake.



The word subspecies isn't hyphenated. And the singular for subspecies is subspecies. There is no such word as specie or subspecie. Just a pet peeve.



Temperature: This Sub-Species appears to thrive in cooler temperature ranges. An ambient daytime temperature of 75°- 82°F is adequate. Night time temps can drop as low as 65°-70°F. A constant warm spot, provided best with an Under Tank Heater (UTH), is a must to ensure proper digestion of meals. Heat lamps can be used but I do not recommend them as the direct heat provided can vary if there is a draft in the enclosure area.



I don't keep my black milks this warm. I keep them between 68° and 75°. They do fine at these temps. I spent a few days in Black Milk country in Panama this summer. I can promise you it doesn't get up to 82° during the day. The daytime highs were more like 72° (maybe higher in the dry season?) and it gets down into the lower 50s at night. And I found a DOR black milk that had been hit late at night on a rainy night with temps in the low 60s after it didn't get much over 65° all day.

They are fairly tolerant of higher temps, but some people suggest that high temps increase the chances of obesity in this taxon.

They can readily digest prey with temps in the upper 60s and don't need a basking lamp nor a UTH. I tried it with mine and they clearly avoided it.



The Barkers (vpi.com) have a very good caresheet for black milks.
-----
Chris Harrison

San Antonio, Texas

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