Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the size record for Bogerthophis subocularis? And is that total length or snout to vent? I may just have a winner!
Todd Hughes

Werler and Dixon's "Texas Snakes" book (or bible) says "...the maximum length recorded for this subspecies is 5 1/2 ft (167.4 cm)." That book was published in 2000. It doesn't say whether its snout to vent or total length. I assume it is total length.
I have a male that I believe is 5'4".
Hope that helps.
Dusty R.

I just got back with a male that measures 58" total length. I'm gonna serpwidget it tonite and post some photos. He is stunning!
Todd Hughes

Well, serpwidgets says this guy is 71.4" long! I just heard the record is a little over 6', but he is a beast! 2 miles east of langtry, Texas, about 25' up a road cut at 6:12 a.m. on 06-27-05.

I caught one about 20 years ago that was right at 6 ft, too. It was way up on dirt Pandale. I never could get it to eat and let it go the next Spring right where I got it. That is something that I would never do now because you just never know what kind of bug it could pick up in captivity that could spread to the wild population............like the virus that affected desert tortoises. I also never pick up big subocs anymore. He is a beauty and I wish you all the best in getting him to feed.
GOOD LUCK,
Jim

He's had a rough trip and I think I'll just let him get used to his new surroundings with lots of dark and quiet for a week. Then we will see if he has an appetite like I know he had.! Thanks
Todd Hughes

I have caught a couple of 5 footers, but never a 6 footer. I have seen a few captive subocs that were 6 feet.

I agree with what the other post said as well - big subocs don't eat well in captivity. They will usually take kangaroo rats, but rarely take domestic rodents.
-----
Chris Harrison
Does anyone else here think that these scrolling signature lines are stupid?

Thanks for the info and sorry for so long, hurricane season is my busy time of year. I brought back a lot of rocks from his cut(on the ground) and made a "wall" of my own with a dark, cool hiding spot for him. It took two weeks but he prowls his "cut" and has taken a live mouse and a small rat. I wasn't worried as he has serious mass and just needed a replica of his former haunt! Haven't seen him drink yet, though.
Todd Hughes

In about 1992 or '93, Bob Young and I were heading into Comstock from the north on Juno Road. We here coming in from Mississippi. It was dusk and we here heading to the hotel to check-in and get back out on the road. Near the intersection with Hwy 90 we got a huge suboc. It was a male - but just barely. It had virtually no tail. Only about three inches. The snake actually measured 6'7" from head to stump. It was missing approximately 10" of tail. Scars all over it and blind in one eye. One tough old bird.

Many well known collectors saw the snake and can attest to its size. Some fools from California were catching every living thing and they begged for it. We let it go right where we found it.

Cheers,

Terry Vandeventer