Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found this DOR Black Milksnake (L.t. gaigeae) near the town of Cerro Punta in the Chiriqui highlands of western Panama (near the Costa Rica border) -

We were about 6000 feet up at the time. The weather (rainy season) was highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 50s.

It was found dead on a road through some pastures, but the surrounding hillsides are covered in cloud forests that look like this -

-----
Chris Harrison
Does anyone else here think that these scrolling signature lines are stupid?

I think that's the first time I've ever seen a gaigeae in a field report. It's too bad it was a DOR but it's still pretty cool to see one along with a beautiful habitat shot.
Thanks for sharing,
Chris

Wow, too bad it was roadkill! Looks like a big one too... did you get a chance to measure it, or check its stomach contents? I'd be very interested to find out what they eat in the wild... they're rat wreckers in captivity, but I'm sure there are plenty of smaller snakes, frogs, and lizards to choose from in that habitat.

Nate

Chris, nice find. What a neat thing to find one of these in their wild environs. Too bad it was DOR. But thanks for sharing with the rest of us.

Scott Ballard

Priceless. First time I've seen anyone getting feild info on Gaigeae. In that habitat, did you see sunlight filtering down in any patches where they might use the black coloration to absorb heat?

How big was the DOR?

What would you say the humididty level was in the rainy season?

Thanks again big time.

Bob.

beautiful shot of the forest & stream. tripod pic?
terry

np