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05 MALE RUBIDUS PRODUCED BY JEFF SNODGRES.

What is the major difference in distinguishing a Runidus from an Erebennus

As for hatchlings, the greatest difference, I have encountered, has to be size, as D. m rubidus are quite small and tend to grow at a much slower pace than D. m erebennus. Also, hatchling D. m erebennus tend to harbor greater orange facial coloration and darker body coloration, while D. m rubidus tend to habor a brighter red facial coloration and lighter body speckling, though they tend to darken more than D. m erebennus with age, with the exception of mottled D. m rubidus. Another give away would have to be the anterior ventral coloration, as D. m rubidus tend to harbor crisp white chins, not found on D. m erebennus.
Keep in mind, all Drys tend to be highly variable.

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

another picture of 05

Great photo Alan!

Unfortunately, I lack the skill to capture a good image of my animals. Perhaps I need to hire you for a photo shoot sometime!
Glad you are enjoying the little guy and let me know what you decide to name him...

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Jeff - out of curiosity, can you give us some idea of the relative size difference, and growth rate difference, between rubidus and the others ? (I assume erebennus is more on the size and trajectory of blacktails or couperi ?). How big is a rubidus at hatchling, at 1 year and 2 years, roughly ?
thanks
Craig

Hello Craig,

In my experience, I have found D. m rubidus to produce smaller eggs than most of the other Drys, with the exception of D. corais, as both produce similar size eggs. I have found both species produce eggs averaging 30g at oviposition, though D. m rubidus do not produce as many eggs as D. corais normally do.
The size of hatchling D. m rubidus, as with all Drys, depends greatly upon the length of time they spend in incubation, as the longer the incubation period the larger the hatchlings, though none are generally as large as D. couperi or D. m erebennus upon hatching. I have found most D. m erebennus and D. couperi, I have produced in the past, averaged slightly over 50g at hatching, while D. m rubidus have averaged just over 40grams at hatching.
As for growth rates, I have found D. m rubidus to harbor the slowest growth rate, averaging approximately three feet their first year and generally gaining another two feet over the course of their second year, though this can vary from specimen to specimen depending upon diet and feeding schedules.

Best regards,

Jeff

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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Thank you for answering my question.

rather than the gloss of Easterns? How are they personality wise compared to Easterns? Thanks.

Hello Bob,

In my eye, D. m rubidus harbor more of a "ghost-like" sheen at hatching, mottled specimens tend to maintain this sheen through adulthood, though I suppose this could be described as more of a satin appearance. Keep in mind, D. m rubidus tend to develop the deep, rich "indigo" color of D. couperi as they mature and lose all of the flecking they tend to harbor as juveniles, with the exception of mottled specimens.
As for disposition, I have found all of the D. m rubidus, residing within my collection, to be as personable and inquisitive as D. couperi, though I do have one large female that can be a bit "sheepish"...

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Rubs come in 2 "phases" Jeff is right about the white chin. Those are the "classic" rubidus. However, they also come in another phase that looks very much like errebennus..But still have white on the throat..But lots of speckling, too, which is the "phase difference..
I differ with "Epidemic" on their disposition tho!..Those that I've had have been mostly nastier than any other Dry with the exception of YT's..1 in particular, a large male, was just a scary animal..Big, about 7' or so, heavy and would just love to sneak in a snap without warning!!
My 2 cents..
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Carl W Gossett
Garage Door Herps
Monument,Colorado...northern territory of the Great Republic of Texas

Sorry, Dr. G,

But I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree regarding the general temperament of D. m rubidus, as I currently have eight adults, including 1.1 of the mottled form, and all, with the exception of a single female, are docile as any D. couperi.
I have always maintained the idea that temperament cannot be based simply upon genus or species alone, as many animals harbor their own individualistic demeanor.
Heck, I have eight adult D. corais residing within my collection, all docile as puppies!

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I do agree with you for the most part Jeff..Still think there are genetic dispositions or "pre-dispositions" to behavior characteristics in most all animals..
BTW, what is your total # of Dry's now and what is your feed bill per month?!
Might enlighten some of the newcomers as to what they are in for!!
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Carl W Gossett
Garage Door Herps
Monument,Colorado...northern territory of the Great Republic of Texas

One of the draw backs to incurring two renal transplants! ;0)

I am pushing triple digits with the Dry count and the monthly food bill is enough to cover the mortgage of a small home. Not to mention, the time involved to care for all of them properly runs the equivalent of a second full-time position.
While maintaining a few Drymarchon spp. is a worthwhile and manageable endeavor, it takes a great level of commitment, and the support of your family, to maintain a large colony…

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Thanks for a good photo of a beautiful hatchling. If you ever know of any rubidus available I'm still anxious to start keeping this sub-species.