Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm searching for an e. Longissima (Aesculapian rat snake) that is mostly bronze in color and was wondering if anyone knows of anyone who breeds them. I'm also new to snakes and would like any advice on this particular breed anyone may have. I'm amazed they are not more popular snakes with their history...

You might want to try Rex Knight or Sacha Korell. They have photos at their site, but I don't know if they keep any. They might know someone though.

If you're just starting out with snakes, I don't know if I'd take on 'longissima' as my first snake. I kept Aesculapians, along with Russian Rats and Four-lined Rats, when I first started breeding snakes in about 1988. They do have an interesting history, as well as natural history, and are fairly easy to keep for the adept hobbyist. But if you don't know much about snakes, you might want to start with something easier, and cheaper, to learn more about ratsnakes. Longissima are very cool-adapted, btw.

Good luck.....Terry.
Elaphe longissima

Thanks Terry,
Yes, I am new to this (my next snake will be my first) but after having discovered the history of the Aesculapian I am spiritually bound to at least pursue more knowledge of the species and hopefully ultimately work closely with one. Also, it sounds like they would be comfortable in my neck of the woods (Oregon)

Ron

I've been wanting an Aesculapian ever since I got into snakes a few years ago and have yet to find one, so good luck! Maybe we can help each other out...

Mark Bell, in FL, had 'em a few yrs. ago. Maybe!?

TC

Hey... that's MY lead . If he ever had them I was going to get mine first and then tell you guys about it.
He is breeding them, but it doesn't sound like he has many and I don't know if he'll ever advertise them for sale. If he's at the Ohio show I'll ask him about it. I hope I can get an unrelated pair.

I would be most grateful to hear whatever you find out. At this point I am not looking to breed but instead looking to observe and work with one of the species as it matures so youll have no competition from me on buying breeding pairs. Please do keep posted

Amor et Lux,
Ron

I acquired a pair of longissima about a month ago from a friend. I apologize for not getting back to the folks who asked where they came from sooner, but we dumped AOL (finally). Anyway, The female came from Mark Bell (France stock) and the male came from Adam Song (Russian stock). I have not seen any babies for sale lately so I am not sure who is breeding them. I wish you luck finding them, they are great snakes to work with. Take care. Derek