I currently have 5 of this wonderful Asian ratsnake species. Japanese Ratsnakes (Elaphe climacaphora) have some subtle differences across their range. I have 1 mainland female, a pair of true Kunashir Island, and a pair of albinos (sherobi). I find them to be docile, inquisitive and beautiful. Being a northern species, they prefer temps a little lower, and longer, cooler brumation periods.
My mainland female is my favorite snake in my collection. She is always out cruising her enclosure, climbing, exploring, and watchin every movement in her surroundings. When I open her cage, she doesn't head for cover, she comes right to me and climbs onto my arm. She will perch there contentedly for as long as I will allow. I usually do snake room chores with her wrapped around my wrist and forearm. She also makes frequent trips into my classroom (high school science). The kids love her, and she shows infinite patience with the rougher than average handling they tend to dole out. She has never once showed any sign of aggression to them.
For some that wonder what the difference is between a mainland climac, and a true Kunishir Island climac, I decided to take some comparison shots. The mainlanders tend to be a duller, more olive green, while the Kunishirs tend to be brighter green with better contrast. Here is a comparison shot. My mainland female is the darker animal facing west, and the true Kunishir female is facing east:
You can easily see the color difference. Here is a closer shot with the mainland on the left, and the Kunishir on the right:
The darker color of the mainland female is even more apparent in the side by side comparison. I would've tried for some pics of the albinos too, but they had just eaten, so I didn't disturb them.
I love the species. Hope you enjoyed the comparison.
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God Bless Evolution.
