Reptile & Amphibian Forums

An esoteric question, I know, but I’m still “casting my net” hoping for locale-specific data.

I’m aware that coloration & patterns of reptile species can vary dramatically, even in a locale-specific zone, but I’m also aware that generally, each region tends to have unique colors & patterns represented.

With Texas Rat Snakes, for example, the more south you go, the more yellow you see. The more west you go, the more red you see.

I’m researching physical appearance differences between Radiated specimens in Vietnam, versus Indonesia:

1. Are recent imports of Radiated more likely from Indonesia, or Vietnam?
2. If your Radiated has a head that is lighter in color, more Caramel than Copper, are its ancestor stock more likely from Indonesia, or Vietnam?

Those of you who have traveled to the countries and seen specimens from both, or who have seen imported stock from either and have insight, please advise.

1.0 Lampropeltis getula californiae (Carlsbad Wide-banded morph)
0.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (Los Angeles County Coastal Banded morph)
1.0 Coelognathus radiata (stock origin unknown)

See his 60-gallon vivarium: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50964744@N06/5119884262/

I do not see your texas rat in your signature. What happened to it??

My Tex Rat handled & fed well, but was amazingly *shy*. Hard to explain when he was 6 feet long.

I got him specifically for the active, inquisitive nature. When it became evident that he was not well suited, I gave him to another herper in the area who has many reptiles, including another Tex Rat.

This Radiated is a replacement, which I think is much better suited for my home as an individual.

I think any happy snake is a hidden snake to some degree. They are full, content, and staying concealed in a nice cozy area that has the right temperature for them at the time. I dont think any snake is going to be active to any appreciable degree if content and well kept IMO. They are not apt to cruise around for not reason unless hungry or stressed.

Well stated! Eons of evolutionary behavioral adaptations don't disappear simply because we place them in a "biome".

Bill

Your condescension, arrogance & attempts to stifle any dissenting comments are noted. Are you and vegasbilly friends or contacts? Are you in collusion to monitor and “direct” forum opinions?

Oh, well. I’ll get over it. Moreover, in the future I know to only respond to replies from other Forum members who are actually contributing to group knowledge and camaraderie.

Regarding “active”, you missed my point entirely in your colored, biased, casual glance. I was referring to how often they are surface-active, basking under a basking lamp and occasionally being seen. Most colubrids are occasionally or quite active in that regard.

Although Kingsnakes in general tend to burrow often, the western Cal Kings are quite surface-active. Both my male & female Coastal morphs are seen often each week during winter brumation; my female loves to bask under a basking lamp on many days.

My Texas Rat was UNUSUALLY shy. There is no right or wrong, but the traits one is seeking in a snake, car, gun, wife or anything else, they should have. If a better specimen works for me (my Radiated Rat is MUCH more interesting & active), that’s great.

Hopefully you two will get over it…

>>Your condescension, arrogance & attempts to stifle any dissenting comments are noted. Are you and vegasbilly friends or contacts? Are you in collusion to monitor and “direct” forum opinions?
>>
>>Oh, well. I’ll get over it. Moreover, in the future I know to only respond to replies from other Forum members who are actually contributing to group knowledge and camaraderie.
>>
>>Regarding “active”, you missed my point entirely in your colored, biased, casual glance. I was referring to how often they are surface-active, basking under a basking lamp and occasionally being seen. Most colubrids are occasionally or quite active in that regard.
>>
>>Although Kingsnakes in general tend to burrow often, the western Cal Kings are quite surface-active. Both my male & female Coastal morphs are seen often each week during winter brumation; my female loves to bask under a basking lamp on many days.
>>
>>My Texas Rat was UNUSUALLY shy. There is no right or wrong, but the traits one is seeking in a snake, car, gun, wife or anything else, they should have. If a better specimen works for me (my Radiated Rat is MUCH more interesting & active), that’s great.
>>
>>Hopefully you two will get over it…

wow....
Kevin was just commenting. He wasn't being antagonistic, condescending, rude or anything else. He was just making an observation. I've read it and read it and just can't figure out why you went off like this.
If you don't want opinions, don't post on a public forum.
consider me lost on this one. Just can't quite figure it out.
-----
Corn snakes and rat snakes...No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

_____

"Just can't quite figure it out"

Me neither...

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Regarding “active”, you missed my point. I was referring to how often they are surface-active, basking under a basking lamp and occasionally being seen. Most colubrids are occasionally or quite active in that regard.

Although Kingsnakes in general tend to burrow often, the western Cal Kings are quite surface-active. Both my male & female Coastal morphs are seen often each week during winter brumation; my female loves to bask under a basking lamp on many days.

My Texas Rat was UNUSUALLY shy. There is no right or wrong, but the traits one is seeking in a snake, car, gun, wife or anything else, they should have. If a better specimen works for me (my Radiated Rat is MUCH more interesting & active), that’s great.

Radiated, and several other snake species, are HIGHLY active. I have recently referenced many sources which confirm this.

Your generalization only applies to snakes species & individuals which tend to be more inactive. Many others are quite active if given a 60-gallon or larger vivarium and broad-spectrum basking lamp.

I was stating pretty basic info on snake activity. Even active snakes like racers will usually snuggle up in a hide if content and are not actively thermoregulating, seeking prey, etc. Thats just the way they usually operate for the most part. I am REALLY not sure what you are seeking in your reptilian acquisitions. You seem to desperately want to attribute mammalian qualities in your reptile pets that just may not exist. How do I know? Because I have successfully kept snakes for over thirty five years and have been successfully breeding them for about 10 years. If you want a pet that runs around on a wheel and does cute tricks, get a hamster!!!

You probably should educate yourself in regards to the whole importation regimen. From collectors in the field, to holding areas, to exporters, to importers, to the end customer. With a species as widespread as Radiated Rats, trying to speculate on a locality based upon markings combined w/the convoluted path an animal will take before you get it will be next to impossible.

Be content if the animal is healthy and thriving.

Bill

Your condescension, arrogance & attempts to stifle any dissenting comments are noted. Are you and KevinM friends or contacts? Are you in collusion to monitor and “direct” forum opinions?

Oh, well. I’ll get over it. Moreover, in the future I know to only respond to replies from other Forum members who are actually contributing to group knowledge and camaraderie.

Regarding “active”, you missed my point entirely in your colored, biased, casual glance. I was referring to how often they are surface-active, basking under a basking lamp and occasionally being seen. Most colubrids are occasionally or quite active in that regard.

Although Kingsnakes in general tend to burrow often, the western Cal Kings are quite surface-active. Both my male & female Coastal morphs are seen often each week during winter brumation; my female loves to bask under a basking lamp on many days.

My Texas Rat was UNUSUALLY shy. There is no right or wrong, but the traits one is seeking in a snake, car, gun, wife or anything else, they should have. If a better specimen works for me (my Radiated Rat is MUCH more interesting & active), that’s great.

Hopefully you two will get over it…

After reading this thread twice, I fail to see where Kevin or Bill were condescending or arrogant in any way. You, on the other hand, seem to be determined to stir the pot every chance you get on this forum. What's your point?

Wow! Just a tad sensitive maybe? One should be prepared to receive contrary input when entering into a public forum. This "Evil Cabal" was formed without me even being aware..I must be slipping. I too re-read my posts and fail to see the condescending attitude you attribute to them. I do have a sore spot for personification and micromanagement I must admit but the odds of two or three complete strangers (no, we are not in collusion)reaching the same conclusions should speak volumes.

Bill