are the ventral scales distal to the cloaca (those on the tail belly side) divided or single?
thank you
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Southern Hog...simple question
coolhl7
Jul 02, 2004 04:38 PM
Replies (3)
jfmoore
Jul 02, 2004 09:03 PM
>>are the ventral scales distal to the cloaca (those on the tail belly side) divided or single?
>>thank you
Heterodon simus has a double row of ventral subcaudal scales and a (usually) divided anal plate.
-Joan
coolhl7
Jul 02, 2004 09:29 PM
THANKS, that must mean the shed my neighbor gave me from his yard is from a pigmy rattler....its amazing how similar they can look from a distance....I live in the panhandle of florida....we used to have alot of southern hogs here....don't see as many anymore...I used to think it was from overdevelopment and collecting but some biologists told me they believe its from the proliferation of fire ants either attacking the eggs or hatchlings (??)
A.C.
Jul 03, 2004 09:20 AM
yes, they certainly are vanishing from the panhandle. You have to go a lil farther south to find em now. Fire ants certainly play a part. However, roads are a major factor. Playing dead doesn't help you much when a vehicle is bearing down on you.
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Anthony Chodan
www.gradeareptiles.com
