Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys,

I was wondering, are Black Gap Alterna considered Western Alterna or Eastern Alterna? My understanding is, Eastern Alterna end up growing larger than Western Alterna.

I know that genetics may also play a factor in size, but having said that, what is the biggest Black Gap you guys have owned when growth has pretty much seized? I would love to find out that one actually grew to nearly 4 feet or 3 1/2 feet! =)

I am curious about the biggest size you guys have owned for River Road Alterna and Christmas Mountains as well! Hope to hear answers! Thanks!

Note: I may be late on this, but any news on Alterna Rush the movie?

Tony
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You can never have only one snake!

I would definitely say Western. Brewster County. My opinion at least I would say the western most east locality is Sanderson. I could be wrong, but that is my opinion.

Jay,

That should be correct. Since you mentioned that, Christmas Mountains is in Brewster County as well. Most people say Gap is Western but a few people also told me that they display physical variations of West and East, which is very interesting.
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You can never have only one snake!

It's an interesting question, I'm suprised more people didn't chime in.

I would consider Black Gap's a western type. County lines don't mean much IMHO, it's more because the habitat is very harsh and deserty like most other western localities. I do think the Gap and Sanderson and even Langtry share some similarities. Alot of wild Gaps could pass for Langtry's but when you breed them you get a much wider array than Langtry typicaly produces.

Sanderson is an eastern locality, IMHO, that can produce some characteristics more commonly seen in western localities, ie speckles and ornate patterns. Both Black Gap and Sanderson produce silver heads too. But yeah, I would call Black Gap a western locality that carries some eastern tendencies and I would call Sanderson an eastern locality that carries some western tendencies.

Also Gaps are harder to collect, like most western localities and Sanderson's are relatively easier to catch, like most eastern localities. I think this probably has alot to do with weather patterns and somewhat, but not neccessarily mainly, to do with population densities.
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www.hcu-tx.org/

I agree with you Aaron 100%.

Chris

Aaron,

That is just a perfect explanation. I am also surprised there wasn't more comments about this but yours cannot be more crystal clear. I also was told from a few people that Black Gap Alterna can grow quite large, some can reach 3 1/2 to an amazing 4 feet but most typically 3 feet.

By the way, I just acquired a real nice dark Gap male from Shannon Brown. He is even darker and more busy than the actual picture. He has a silver head as well! I will post the picture in a few minutes.
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You can never have only one snake!

Well, you can see this on Shannon's ad in the classified and he took the picture of the Gap. I just acquired him though. Here ya go!

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You can never have only one snake!

Thanks for the comments. That's a nice busy Gap, congrats.
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www.hcu-tx.org/

Thanks Aaron. Black Gaps are like 3 localities in one...kidding! The beauty is just absolutely amazing. I really need to go out to Texas and see the natural habitat. I know if I do I will see another variety of appreciation for them.
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You can never have only one snake!

Note: I may be late on this, but any news on Alterna Rush the movie?

Additional filming to be done over the next couple of weeks; film to be debuted at the ETHS meeting this fall (September?).

Still a few of the limited-edition versions left to pre-order:

http://www.alternarushthemovie.com/
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Thanks for the website and info! I will check out the website. Didn't know there were limited editions to the movie =). I better get on it!
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You can never have only one snake!