Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do lepidus need to be cooled in order for successful breedings? I have a friend who keeps several species of crotalus and seems to have good luck without cooling anything. He doesn't keep leps though, but I do, which is why I am asking. Thanks

Hi,

I think the only answer you'll receive is "yes, I expect so, but have no actual first-hand success breeding any ssp of lepidus" (!)

My lep leps are still a bit too young to breed (male 3 yrs, female 2 yrs), but I cool them anyway. In fact I just brought them out of brumation. Tough winter in Florida (warm...).

My record with klauberi includes no live (or dead, or deformed) young but lots of copulation and occasional slugs (no development whatsoever). I only got interest between them when I'd cooled them long and low (4 months, low 50s or high 40s).

My understanding is, klauberi is thought to be truly difficult to breed, but lep lep is well-night impossible. It's been done a couple times - I think Abilene zoo did it once (Dave Heckert???). With the 3 Mexican endemic ssp's, I have no idea.

Curious - what taxa is your friend breeding without cooling? Tropical, low-elevation species - e.g., simus, basiliscus, durissus??? I do cantils and cool those (works fine).

Best of luck with yours (nice one, BTW) - if you have any, you won the lottery.

cheers,
Jimi

I have been breeding leps for several years and I do cool them for several months at 50 degrees.

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Tim Cole
www.Designeratrox.com/
www.AustinReptileService.net
www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
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Conservation through Education

I would heed Tim's advice; your chances for success are significantly higher when this species is brumated for a few months. Tim has a top knotch set up and cooling system....not to mention some stunning lepidus.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>I have been breeding leps for several years and I do cool them for several months at 50 degrees.
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>>-----
>>Tim Cole
>>www.Designeratrox.com/
>>www.AustinReptileService.net
>>www.AustinReptileExpo.com/
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
>>Conservation through Education
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL