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Hello,
Can anyone tell me what's a clear difference between Elaphe dione and Elaphe bimaculata.

Thanks a lot.

>>Can anyone tell me what's a clear difference between Elaphe dione and Elaphe bimaculata.

Not sure if by "clear" difference you mean something visible in their morphology , but, one difference that clearly separates them is that bimacs have 34 chromosomes and diones have 36.
-DT
Ophidiophile Farms (new URL)

Another thing is that bimaculata has more teeth than dione. Count 'em up, haha.

If you're looking for morphological differences you can see, there are only minor differences in scutellation, color, pattern, and general shape. I just kind of "gestalt" the whole snake. You get a feel for them after several years.

The pattern and color are basically the same. But only dione from central China near the range of bimaculata are very close. ASAMOF, their ranges overlap slightly near the Yangtze River. These dione are really hard to tell from bimacs. Bimaculata tends to be a little stouter too, with slightly different head shape. With the rest it's pretty easy from color/pattern.

The easiest way to tell them apart, once you've gotten used to them, and have them in hand, is by behavior. As I stated in the strand below, dione is very diurnal, and not shy about its movements. Bimaculata is more secretive, shy, and quick to burrow in the substrate. Dione handles better, being less nervous when held, usually.

They're not always real easy to tell apart, but an experienced keeper will tell you every time. It's a lot more difficult with photos, as it's hard to gestalt the snake. You have to go by subtle differences in color/pattern, scutellation, shape, etc. A clear picture of the head will sometimes do it (where you can count scales), but not always. And like I said, it's just the cen. Chinese dione that are very confusing. My South Koreans have obvious differences.

Sorry for being so long winded, but this is one of my favorite topics, and the two species I work with the most. These are great animals to work with and make great pets

Later, TC.

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