Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi

I'm new to the forum and just wondered if anyone had any pictures of their gravid Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi females?

I obtained a pair of these back in october 2009 and brumated them. They were put together but I never observed any mating although the male was obviously keen. The 2004 pair (Which were proven by the original owner)were left together for a few days on three seperate occasions, but again I never witnessed a confirmed lock.

My female looks to have swolen and so I think she probably is gravid but as I've not bred this species before I wondered if anyone had any pics for me to compare her too?

Thanks in advance
Mynki

I will see if can't snap some photos tonight of my gravid female. Last year I observed multiple copulations but this year they were brumated and warmed up together and I did not observe any copulation, like yourself. She is most definitely gravid though! Check back tonight.

Had a few minutes so here you go. She is about 48" long.



Hope that helps!!

Joe

Hey Joe

Yeah, that helps a lot. I'm now 90% sure that my female is also gravid as she's a similar shape and girth now. She's been eating ferrociously too.

Thanks for posting the pics. It's much appreciated.

Mynki

Don't be surprised if your snake goes off feed soon, shortly before her pre-lay shed. Try to feed her small food items when she does.

Just keep in mind that an ovulating snake can and will swell like that too.....
This is a common misconception where many snake keepers think that eggs get resorbed....If they swollen/ovulating follicles never get fertilized then they will be resorbed......I would continue to pair them up until the female goes into a shed cycle......

Just my couple pennies....
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...
www.coastalbendcaptivebreeding.com