Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I haev a question...

Would a California Red-Sided Garter, and a Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, mate and produce babies?

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Michael's Place

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www.freewebs.com/mikesnake
Michael_Fedzen@hotmail.com

Two different species, even from the same genus, may or may not mate. If they did chances for viable offspring are probably pretty good. There are two schools of thought on the ethics. Some of us are opposed to interbreeding, even between subspecies. Some people like certain Rosy Boa specialists do not even condone interbreeding different localities within the same subspecies. I like Calif. Mountain Kings but insist on locality data to ensure sub specific identity. With garters if sub specific differences are subtle I want regional data as well. Some like the One-Striped Santa Cruz speak for themselves. There are some people interbreeding different species to create unique animals and create a market for themselves. Personally I will not breed any animals unless they are the same subspecies and I have locality or background data of their lineages. I believe in this for the purpose of natural and academic accuracy and to preserve the environment for further taxonomic research and developments. I am some what of a purist I guess. I like to pay attention to natural history and taxonomy in my collection. Other folks like to emphasize various morphs and are more interested in bringing out different genetic traits with in a species. Still others want to “invent” new animals. There are a few such "creations" that are consistant in the pet trade. I do not know of examples among Garters though. If interbreeding is done it should be meticulously documented so the information stays permanently attached to any and all progeny. I would strongly advise against interbreeding for fear of released or escaped specimens altering natural gene pools. There are natural occurring hybrids between overlapping subspecies and even between species sometimes.

smeckle snipn koff

I don't like the idea if integrades to begin with but I especually dislike the idea when it involves animals that aren't seen commonly in captivity. What are you going to do with your babies? What if you sell them to someone who decides that they can breed them to their terrestrial garter or cal red-sided and then sell the babies as pure? These impure babies can be mated to pure animals producing more impure babies and tainting captive populations. If you had a pedigreed Golden Retriever would you mate it with a collie?

I have no problem though if you can ensure that the offspring don't reproduce. LOL, I'm sure Mr. Fedzen could use a few extra snakes, they must be cheaper than those corns and cal king morphs.
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"I'm tired of being a wannabe bowler! I wanna be a bowler!!"
-- Homer Simpson

You've got a hell of a point there.
Michael
Michael's Place

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www.freewebs.com/mikesnake
Michael_Fedzen@hotmail.com

Thamnophis sirtalis and Thamnophis elegans den communally in many areas
of the western United States. Breeding generally takes place at
the den in the Spring or Fall. Additionaly, these snakes both live sympatrically
throughout the year. If they were willing to breed with each other,
and if such breeding was successfull, there would be examples
of such hybrids in nature. There are no such examples.
Therefore, I don't believe it is possible.