Reptiles Magazine, your source for reptile and herp care, breeding, and enthusiast articles
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
The West African mud turtle, also known as the African side-necked turtle or swamp terrapin, is a small aquatic turtle that is known for its elongated neck that it uses to capture fish in its native habitat. The post West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus) appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Description:The West African mud turtle, also known as the African side-necked turtle or swamp terrapin, is a small aquatic turtle that is known for its elongated neck that it uses to capture fish in its native habitat. The turtle is not as popular as other semi-aquatic turtles largely due to its coloration, which is a plain brown, to mimic the mud in which it seems to spend a lot of its time. The West African mud turtle can grow to about 10 inches in carapace length and can live up to 50 years or more in captivity with proper care. Native Range: The West African mud turtle is native to much of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Guinea, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Republic of the Congo. Natural Habitat: The West African mud turtle lives in rivers and mud holes and other bodies of water where prey items such as fish are plentiful. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125659" class="wp-image-125659 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87.jpg" alt="West African mud turtle" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87-400x267.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87-650x434.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87-250x167.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87-768x512.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87-150x100.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1african-sideneckturtle-Debbz87-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> West African mud turtle. Photo by Debbz87/Shutterstock Enclosure: The ideal tank for this small turtle should be about 100 gallons in capacity with 125 gallons ideal. The tank should have a water depth of 8-12 inches for adults and 4 to 6 inches for juveniles. This ensures that the turtle has ample room to swim about because that is what they do most of the time. Ensure that the fine river sand substrate is sloped to provide a haul out area for your turtle to bask and dry out when it needs to get out of the water. The water should be cleaned with a canister filter that can filter 250 to 300 gallons per hour for a 100-125 gallon tank. Canister filters sit outside the tank for easy maintenance. And make sure that you keep a maintenance schedule because aquatic turtles such as the West African mud turtle can be and are messy eaters. UVB Lighting For Your Reptiles Maintain a water temperature of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celsius) with a pH level of 6.8 to 7.8. Perform weekly water changes of between 25 and 50 percent of the water. The basking platform can be either in the water or on the sand. Ensure the platform has a light above it that can reach 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 35 degrees Celsius). Ambient temperature in the rest of the tank should be 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 29 degrees Celsius). UVB lighting should be provided with 10.0 T5 UVB tube over the length of the enclosure. Change out to tube according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Run the UVB light for 10-12 hours a day. Diet: Juveniles should be fed a daily diet of earthworms, crickets, roaches, shrimp, krill, snails and chopped fish. You can also try and feed them occasional vegetables such as dandelion greens, romaine and duckweed as juveniles. As adults they are primarily carnivorous. Feed them high quality turtle pellets as well to ensure complete nutrition. Adults should be fed every other day. Dust their foods with calcium powder and a multiivitamin. Reptile Keeper Level: Intermediate to advanced. The West African mud turtle requires specialized care and frequent water changes to ensure it remains healthy. Extra: The West African mud turtle reaches sexual maturity in four to six years. They have a side neck that enables them to reach sideways under their shell. They will learn to recognize their keeper and beg for food. The post West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus) appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
New Species of Calamaria Snake From India Described
The burrowing snake species was found in montane evergreen forests in the state and adds to the number of herpetological findings in the area The post New Species of Calamaria Snake From India Described appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Researchers have described a new species of snake from the genus Calamaria. The Calamaria genus is comprised of 66 recognized species of dwarf, burrowing snakes. The new species, Calamaria mizoramensis sp. nov (proposed “Mizoram Reed Snake”) was discovered in Mizoram State, India. Mizoram sits at an elevation of 670 to 1,295 meters. The burrowing snake species was found in montane evergreen forests in the state and adds to the number of herpetological findings in the area that comprises an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The researchers say the herpetofauna in Mizoram state currently comprises 169 species, including 117 reptiles and 52 amphibians. <img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125656" class="wp-image-125656 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calamaria-mizoramensis-1.jpg" alt="Calamaria mizoramensis" width="744" height="756" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calamaria-mizoramensis-1.jpg 744w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calamaria-mizoramensis-1-400x406.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calamaria-mizoramensis-1-650x660.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calamaria-mizoramensis-1-250x254.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Calamaria-mizoramensis-1-150x152.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px" /> FIGURE 5. Photographs in life and in situ of Calamaria mizoramensis sp. nov. from Mizoram, India. (A) Sawleng, Saitual (MZMU 865); (B) North Hlimen, Kolasib (MZMU 915); (C) Chanmari West, Aizawl (MZMU 867); (D) Sihphir, Aizawl (MZMU 2411); (E) Kawrthah, Mamit (MZMU 866); (F) Tlangpui, Mamit (uncollected). Photographs by H.T. Lalremsanga (A, E), J.C. Alfred Van Sanglura (B), Vanlal Hrima (C), Lalzarzoa (D), and Lal Muansanga Calamaria mizoramensis Description Calamaria mizoramensis is genetically diverse from its congeners from a distance of 15.3 percent, the researchers say. It is different from its congeners by its “8-11 enlarged maxillary teeth; rostral higher than wide; prefrontal shorter than frontal and contacting the first two supralabials; mental not in contact with anterior chin shields; dorsal scales in 13-13-13 rows, smooth throughout; a single preocular and postocular; four supralabials, with the 2nd and 3 rd ones contacting the eye; five infralabials; six scales surrounding the paraparietal; 147-175 ventrals; 13-27 paired subcaudals; a relatively short tail (10.3-13.1% in males, 4.7-6.5% of total length), thick and nearly cylindrical, terminating in an obtuse tip; dark brown to blackish-brown, with three to six longitudinal rows of slightly paler or dark-edged scales forming indistinct stripes of variable clarity along the body and a faint pale nuchal ring; a yellow ventral surface with dark outer corners on the ventral scales; and a broad, distinct median black stripe on the ventral surface of the tail,” the researchers wrote in their paper and as described in the abstract detailing the new species. Hatching Ringneck Snakes The researchers conducted DNA analysis to confirm Calamaria mizoramensis as a new species. The snake is blackish-brown in coloration on its dorsal side and yellow on its ventral side with a darker stripe from the second subcadault to the tip of the tail. It features six longitudinally stripes running along its body. The male holotype had a total length of 251mm while the female had a total length of 259 mm. The researchers say the coloration of the snake provides great camouflage in the leaf litter habitats where the snake can often be found. The snake is in the family Colubridae. An abstract of the paper describing the new species, “A new species of the genus Calamaria H. Boie in F. Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Calamariidae) from Mizoram State, India” can be read on the ResearchGate website. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Fnew-species-of-calamaria-snake-from-india-described%2F&title=New%20Species%20of%20Calamaria%20Snake%20From%20India%20Described" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/new-species-of-calamaria-snake-from-india-described/" data-a2a-title="New Species of Calamaria Snake From India Described"> The post New Species of Calamaria Snake From India Described appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Higher Temps Make Invasive Brown Anoles More Aggressive Toward Green Anoles
The researchers say in their paper that their data contributes to the growing knowledge in which factors such as behavior, temperature, and competition work to influence the success of an invasive species. The post Higher Temps Make Invasive Brown Anoles More Aggressive Toward Green Anoles appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
The rise in temperatures globally can affect the competitive interactions between invasive and native species. Researchers Julie E. Rej and Alex R. Gunderson, of the the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University in Louisiana have studied the interactions between the invasive brown anole (Anolis sagrei) and the native green anole (A. carolinensis). They studied aggressive behaviors and how these two species respond to each other in five ecologically relevant temperature regimes, from cool springs to hot summers. They also studied whether the brown anole disrupts the thermoregulation of the green anole. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-95425" class="wp-image-95425 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/data-import/c87d9172/green-anole-shutterstock_117886642.jpg" alt="Green Anole Shutterstock 117886642" width="712" height="534" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/data-import/c87d9172/green-anole-shutterstock_117886642.jpg 712w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/data-import/c87d9172/green-anole-shutterstock_117886642-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 712px) 100vw, 712px" /> David Byron Keener/Shutterstock What they found was interesting. The brown anole was more aggressive than the green anole in all the temperature regimes the researchers tested. The higher the temperature, the more aggressive the brown anole became. They also found that the brown anole did not disrupt the thermoregulation traits of the green anole. They determined that as temperatures rise, the aggression of the brown anole over the green anole will increase and that this increased aggression at the higher temperatures could be an important mechanism for the success of the invasive lizards. Invasive species worldwide have been shown to successfully outcompete native species. They compete with native species for the limited resources, resources that the native species did not have to readily compete for prior tom the introduction of the invasive species. Green Anole Care Sheet A previous study of the green anole, which has had much of its territory disrupted by the more aggressive brown anole, evolved to better compete with the invasive reptile in Florida. That 2014 study pointed to the green anole’s feet evolving over several generations to better climb higher in trees to avoid the invasive brown anole. The researchers say in their paper that their data contributes to the growing knowledge in which factors such as behavior, temperature, and competition work to influence the success of an invasive species. The complete paper, High temperatures amplify aggressiveness of an invasive lizard toward a native congener” can be read on the ScienceDirect.com website. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Fhigher-temps-make-invasive-brown-anoles-more-aggressive-toward-green-anoles%2F&title=Higher%20Temps%20Make%20Invasive%20Brown%20Anoles%20More%20Aggressive%20Toward%20Green%20Anoles" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/higher-temps-make-invasive-brown-anoles-more-aggressive-toward-green-anoles/" data-a2a-title="Higher Temps Make Invasive Brown Anoles More Aggressive Toward Green Anoles"> The post Higher Temps Make Invasive Brown Anoles More Aggressive Toward Green Anoles appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Eastern Indigo Snake Surveys Begin On Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva Islands
When the SCCF surveys snakes, the foundation researchers measure, photograph and mark them and obtain genetic samples for other studies The post Eastern Indigo Snake Surveys Begin On Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva Islands appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation launched its annual eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) surveys in early November, spurred by a cold front that induced breeding activity with the species. The foundation says that the wintertime breeding activity is one of the principal factors that led to the decline of the species across their limited range in South Georgia and Florida. “These state and federally protected snakes cover more ground while looking for mates, while road use from winter tourists and part-time residents is at its peak,” Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said in a statement released by SCCF announcing the survey. “This leads to high occurrences of road mortality and is the main reason they are now extirpated from Sanibel and Captiva islands.” 42 Eastern Indigo Snakes Released Into Florida’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve <iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" title="“42 Eastern Indigo Snakes Released Into Florida’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve” — Reptiles Magazine" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/42-eastern-indigo-snakes-released-into-floridas-apalachicola-bluffs-and-ravines-preserve/embed/#?secret=NA7gSJ7JVb#?secret=0umT5rMFGr" data-secret="0umT5rMFGr" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"> The foundation is hoping for a successful survey on Sanibel, as the last documented sighting of an eastern indigo snake on the island was in 1999. They still can be found on nearby islands in the Pine Island Sound in small numbers, the foundation said. When the SCCF surveys snakes, the foundation researchers measure, photograph and mark them and obtain genetic samples for other studies. This enables the researchers to better understand population size, longevity, sex ratios and the snakes’ movements in their environments. Eastern indigo snakes were listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1978. Prior to listing, the snake was collected for the pet trade, but the main factor that led to their dwindling populations in the wild were the cutting of large swaths of their habitats with roads, which caused massive road mortalities of the species. “Indigo snake researchers often mention how once a road is built through their habitat, the demise of that eastern indigo snake population has begun,” Lechowicz said. “This threat is still increasing quickly throughout Florida with all the rapid development.” Eastern Indigo Snake Information The Eastern indigo snake is the longest native snake in the United States. It is known to sometimes reach more than 8 feet in length. The snake is a federally threatened species and certain restrictions are in place with regard to possessing them. A member of the Colubridae family, indigo snakes feed on a variety of animals. These include small mammals, amphibians, birds, lizards, baby turtles, and other snakes, including every species of venomous snake found in Florida. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Survives Getting Swallowed By Eastern Indigo Snake <iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" title="“Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Survives Getting Swallowed By Eastern Indigo Snake” — Reptiles Magazine" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/eastern-diamondback-rattlesnake-survives-getting-swallowed-by-eastern-indigo-snake/embed/#?secret=pBCRW3XBcb#?secret=qGpKIyolZx" data-secret="qGpKIyolZx" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"> Depending on their geographic location, the eastern indigo snake inhabits, long leaf pine, sandhill habitats, flat woods, dry glades, stream bottoms, cane fields, riparian thickets and other locales with abundant prey items. They also are known to inhabit gopher tortoise burrows in Georgia. The snake was historically found in southern Georgia, Alabama, eastern Mississippi and throughout much of Florida. The SCCF is asking anyone who thinks they have seen an eastern indigo snake to take a photo of the snake without disturbing it, record the location in which the snake was observed and send it to indigo@sccf.org or call 239-472-3984. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Feastern-indigo-snake-surveys-begin-on-floridas-sanibel-and-captiva-islands%2F&title=Eastern%20Indigo%20Snake%20Surveys%20Begin%20On%20Florida%E2%80%99s%20Sanibel%20and%20Captiva%20Islands" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/eastern-indigo-snake-surveys-begin-on-floridas-sanibel-and-captiva-islands/" data-a2a-title="Eastern Indigo Snake Surveys Begin On Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva Islands"> The post Eastern Indigo Snake Surveys Begin On Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva Islands appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Lesser Antillean Iguana Established On Prickly Pear East Island
Since the translocation of the 33 iguanas five years ago, Prickly Pear East has seen a surge in the iguana’s populations. The post Lesser Antillean Iguana Established On Prickly Pear East Island appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Conservationists with the Anguilla National Trust, Re:wild and the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division in Dominica announced that a 2016 translocation effort of 23 Lesser Antillean Iguana has been successful, with the species breeding on the invasive species-free Prickly Pear East Island. In 2016, Anguilla National Trust conservationists began translocating the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) from the mainland to Prickly Pear East, an islet that has no invasive species. A total of 23 iguanas were translocated. The researchers determined that the genetic diversity could not be achieved with 23 specimens, so the team contacted the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division in Dominica, asking for some young Lesser Antillean iguanas from Dominica. This was in an effort to boost the genetic diversity on the islet. The government of Dominica sent 10 healthy young Lesser Antillean iguanas in 2021. The iguanas were released on Prickly Pear East in hopes that they would breed with the existing population of 23. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125635" class="wp-image-125635 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000.jpg" alt="Lesser Antillean iguana." width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000-400x300.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000-650x488.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000-250x188.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000-768x576.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000-150x113.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Devon-Carter-with-Lesser-Antillean-iguana-population-monitoring-and-genetic-testing1000-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Devon Carter with a Lesser Antillean iguana. Carter is doing population monitoring and genetic testing. “Thanks to the kind assistance from our friends in Dominica, as well as funding from the UK Government through Darwin Plus, the Lesser Antillean iguana is making a comeback in Anguilla,” Jenny Daltry, Caribbean alliance director, Fauna & Flora and Re:wild said in statement sent to ReptilesMagazine.com. “Prickly Pear East has become a beacon of hope for these gorgeous lizards—and proves that when we give native wildlife the chance, they know what to do!” Since the translocation of the 33 iguanas five years ago, Prickly Pear East has seen a surge in the iguana’s populations. Surveys have now shown more than 300 adults and young iguanas on the island. The island is one of five sites in the world where the species are thriving and safe from invasive iguanas. A second release site has been established on mainland Anguilla. This site is fenced off to prevent cats, dogs, and the common green iguana from penetrating the release site. it is hope that the iguana can establish in this area as well when they are reintroduced in 2026. “This is a love story not just of iguanas trying to re-establish their population, but of Anguilla’s people working to restore a part of our natural heritage,” Farah Mukhida, executive director at the Anguilla National Trust said in the statement. “Beyond being important seed dispersers, Lesser Antillean iguanas are an important part of Anguillan culture. With the planned re-introduction to Fountain National Park, we’re hoping to not only re-establish the iguana’s natural ecosystem function within a restored environment, but to also help people reconnect with nature, using the Lesser Antillean iguana as a flagship species and connection point.” Lesser Antillean Iguana Information The Lesser Antillean iguana has disappeared from much of its native range in the Eastern Caribbean, due largely to the invasive green or striped tailed iguana, a much larger species that outcompetes and hybridizes with the Lesser Antillean iguana. It has a shortened face when compared to the green iguana and is much smaller, measuring about 17 inches in length for the males and 15 inches in length for the females. It is found in scrub woodlands, rainforests and mangroves in its native range of Lesser Antilles on Saint Barth, Anguilla, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Martinique. Hybridization with the green iguana is the number one reason for its population declines. In one instance, a group of green iguanas washed ashore on the island of Anguilla in 1995. After 20 years, the Lesser Antillean iguana, endemic to Anguilla, was completely gone from the island, according to a research paper in the Journal of Heredity. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Flesser-antillean-iguana-established-on-prickly-pear-east-island%2F&title=Lesser%20Antillean%20Iguana%20Established%20On%20Prickly%20Pear%20East%20Island" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/lesser-antillean-iguana-established-on-prickly-pear-east-island/" data-a2a-title="Lesser Antillean Iguana Established On Prickly Pear East Island"> The post Lesser Antillean Iguana Established On Prickly Pear East Island appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
USARK: Lincoln County, NC Commissioners Ban Exotics
Frog & Amphibians Information & News
The ordinance does list humans as an exempt species that can be owned, but you cannot own a leopard gecko. The post USARK: Lincoln County, NC Commissioners Ban Exotics appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
UPDATE 12/15/25: ALERT! The County Commissioners voted to ban ALL lizards, ALL amphibians, hedgehogs, and more. They chose to totally dismiss legitimate science by using false taxonomic classifications. There has not been enough opposition. USARK requested a hearing, but the Commissioners refused to allow a public hearing on this issue, even though this was a new draft. Five people stayed and spoke in opposition at the end of the meeting, including USARK’s Phil Goss, with no one testifying in support. While the simple fact that the proposal uses fictitious and incorrect taxonomy, has redundancies, closes down businesses, bans all lizards, and more were plainly presented to the Commissioners, they chose to move forward. One commissioner said, “I don’t think this goes far enough.” The ordinance does list humans as an exempt species that can be owned, but you cannot own a leopard gecko. The “grandfather” clause requires an annual license that is $250 for the first animal and $100 for each additional animal. Owning 10 grandfathered “exotic animals” will be $1,150 annually in county permit fees. This is scheduled for a second vote on January 5, 2026. We need animal and academic professionals to contact the Commissioners immediately to point out the unscientific nature of the ordinance (including use of “races of animals,” family Marsupialia that does not exist, and more), and responsible animal owners need to address the overreaching bans on very common pets, such as geckos, bearded dragons, tree frogs, axolotls, and more. All lizards and amphibians are banned as none are listed in the “Exempted Animals” list, which therefore bans them by default. Meeting: January 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Lincoln County Admin Building, 353 N. Generals Blvd., Lincolnton, NC 28092 Take action and read more at https://usark.org/25nc/. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Fusark-lincoln-county-nc-commissioners-ban-exotics%2F&title=USARK%3A%20Lincoln%20County%2C%20NC%20Commissioners%20Ban%20Exotics" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/usark-lincoln-county-nc-commissioners-ban-exotics/" data-a2a-title="USARK: Lincoln County, NC Commissioners Ban Exotics"> The post USARK: Lincoln County, NC Commissioners Ban Exotics appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
New Species Of Uropeltid Snake Of The Genus Rhinophis Described
The snake was found in the Siruvani Hills in the Central and Western Ghats mountains of India. It is in the family Uropeltidae. The post New Species Of Uropeltid Snake Of The Genus Rhinophis Described appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Researchers have described a new species of shield tail snake from the Western Ghats mountains of India. The snake was found in the Siruvani Hills in the Central and Western Ghats mountains of India. It is in the family Uropeltidae, which are known as the shield tail snakes. They are named as such because they feature a thick, flattened tail that is heavily keratinized, or strengthened by keratin, to create a tough structural tail that helps with burrowing and defense. 5 Invertebrate-Eating Snakes The snake differs from its congeners due to biogeographic and molecular phylogenetic distinctiveness. It features a lustrous, dark brownish black coloration with a creamy white bottom with irregular patches and brownish black blotches. Juveniles of the species measure between 120-140mm in length, while adults are estimated to measure 304mm, or one foot in length. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125621" class="wp-image-125621 size-large" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-650x532.jpg" alt="Rhinophis siruvaniensis" width="650" height="532" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-650x532.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-400x328.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-250x205.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-768x629.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-1536x1258.jpg 1536w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-150x123.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-800x655.jpg 800w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-1200x983.jpg 1200w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296-1600x1310.jpg 1600w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oo_1442296.jpg 1961w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /> Head (left) and tail (right) of the holotype (BNHS 3387) of Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov., shown in dorsal (A, D), ventral (B, E) and lateral (C, F) views. Images are not to scale. Photographs by VPC. It is currently known to exist in the Siruvani Hills area with further surveys recommended in the Attappadi and wetter regions of Anaikatti Hills. Its habitat includes wet evergreen forests that feature villages and spice plantations. The specimens studied were found in a coffee plantation. Other individuals were found under fallen logs and rocks. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125624" class="wp-image-125624 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000.jpg" alt="Rhinophis siruvaniensis" width="1000" height="316" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000-400x126.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000-650x205.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000-250x79.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000-768x243.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000-150x47.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Rhinophis-siruvaniensis1000-800x253.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov. in life. Paratype VPRS0622157 showing adult colouration (A) (Photograph by Nitin Xavier) and referred specimen VPRS0720116 showing juvenile colouration (B) (Photograph by UPK). The complete paper describing the species, “A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Squamata, Uropeltidae) from Siruvani Hills, Western Ghats, India” can be read on the Evolutionary Systematics website. The researchers who described the new species are Vivek Philip Cyriac, P. K. Umesh, N. S. Achyuthan, Vidisha Kulkarni, and S. R. Ganesh of the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India, § Wayanad Wild, CGH Earth Experience, Wayanad, India, and Kalinga Foundation, Shivamogga, India. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Fnew-species-of-uropeltid-snake-of-the-genus-rhinophis-described%2F&title=New%20Species%20Of%20Uropeltid%20Snake%20Of%20The%20Genus%20Rhinophis%20Described" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/new-species-of-uropeltid-snake-of-the-genus-rhinophis-described/" data-a2a-title="New Species Of Uropeltid Snake Of The Genus Rhinophis Described"> The post New Species Of Uropeltid Snake Of The Genus Rhinophis Described appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Zootopia 2 Spurs Online Sales of Venomous Blue Pit Viper in China
The online sales of the blue Indonesian pit viper (Trimeresurus insularis) apparently soared after the November 26 release of the movie in China. The post Zootopia 2 Spurs Online Sales of Venomous Blue Pit Viper in China appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
In a phenomenon reminiscent of the release of Finding Nemo back in 2003, which spurred, sadly the fad sales of blue tang reef fish and clown fish, the release of Zootopia 2 in China has spurred interest and demand for the live equivalent of Gary the blue snake, which apparently was modeled after a blue pit viper. The online sales of the blue Indonesian pit viper (Trimeresurus insularis) apparently soared after the November 26 release of the movie, according to The Outlet, a Shanghai, China based newspaper, via Sixth Tone. The Outlet reported there was a wave of people trying to dissuade others from acquiring the venomous reptile, noting the dangers that these snakes can be to those without venomous snake-keeping experience, while another commented about the message the film was purported to have made. “The power of a good film is remarkable. It’s genuinely changed how I view snakes, animals I used to fear and was biased against,” the commenter said. Sixth Tone later checked the online platforms and noted that Xiaohongshu and Douyin, which is the Chinese version of TikTok, do not allow the sale of wildlife and venomous animals. Violations of these policies would lead to account bans. A second check found that most blue pit viper listings had been removed from the sales platforms. Postal regulations also prohibit the mailing of live and toxic items, making the shipping of these pit vipers illegal, according to Sixth Tone. Asian Snakes That Mimics Venomous Vipers Placed In New Family, Psammodynastidae <iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" title="“Asian Snakes That Mimics Venomous Vipers Placed In New Family, Psammodynastidae” — Reptiles Magazine" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/asian-snakes-that-mimics-venomous-vipers-placed-in-new-family-psammodynastidae/embed/#?secret=sxId9uLeQy#?secret=hbQsFdOvvw" data-secret="hbQsFdOvvw" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"> The Indonesian pit viper is also known as the Lesser Sunda Islands pit viper, Sunda white-lipped pit viper and red-tailed pit viper. In addition to the blue coloration that is the focus of the fad in China, the venomous snake is also green and blue green in coloration with other populations with yellow coloration. It is found throughout much of Indonesia in the rainforest canopies. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Fzootopia-2-spurs-online-sales-of-venomous-blue-pit-viper-in-china%2F&title=Zootopia%202%20Spurs%20Online%20Sales%20of%20Venomous%20Blue%20Pit%20Viper%20in%20China" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/zootopia-2-spurs-online-sales-of-venomous-blue-pit-viper-in-china/" data-a2a-title="Zootopia 2 Spurs Online Sales of Venomous Blue Pit Viper in China"> The post Zootopia 2 Spurs Online Sales of Venomous Blue Pit Viper in China appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Gamma, San Diego Zoo’s Extraordinary Galapagos Tortoise Ambassador Dies
Turtles & Tortoises Information & News
Gamma arrived at the San Diego Zoo between 1928-1931 died November 20. She was estimated to be about 141 years old. The post Gamma, San Diego Zoo’s Extraordinary Galapagos Tortoise Ambassador Dies appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Gamma, a Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis sp.) who arrived at the San Diego Zoo between 1928-1931 died November 20. She was estimated to be about 141 years old. She was one of the first group of tortoises to come to the zoo from the Galapagos Islands where she was born. According to an Instagram post on the zoo’s IG page, Gamma was a shy tortoise who observed the creation and evolution of the zoo, lived through more than 20 U.S. presidencies, two World Wars and two pandemics. She lived for nearly 100 years at the San Diego Zoo and met and worked with hundreds of thousands of zoo team members, guests, volunteers and conservationists, the zoo wrote. Known as the “Queen of the Zoo” by her care specialists, she has been photographed during the early days of photography as well as in the current social media climate that permeated the world today. She was a fan of romaine lettuce and cactus fruit, and in her honor, the zoo encourages youth enjoy a fruit filled salad of your own to celebrate her long and storied life. History of the Galapagos Tortoise Galapagos Tortoise Information The Galapagos tortoise is considered threatened by the IUCN. It is the largest tortoise species on earth, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 giant tortoise species left in the wild, including all 11 subspecies. They can live well over 100 years and can weigh upward of 900 lbs, reaching sexual maturity at 20 to 30 years. REPTILES magazine covered the discovery of a living subspecies, Chelonoidis niger phantasticus in February 2021. You can read that article here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Diego Zoo (@sandiegozoo) <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Fgamma-san-diego-zoos-extraordinary-galapagos-tortoise-ambassador-dies%2F&title=Gamma%2C%20San%20Diego%20Zoo%E2%80%99s%20Extraordinary%20Galapagos%20Tortoise%20Ambassador%20Dies" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/gamma-san-diego-zoos-extraordinary-galapagos-tortoise-ambassador-dies/" data-a2a-title="Gamma, San Diego Zoo’s Extraordinary Galapagos Tortoise Ambassador Dies"> The post Gamma, San Diego Zoo’s Extraordinary Galapagos Tortoise Ambassador Dies appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
Trans-Pecos Rat Snake Natural History and Captive Care
The Trans-Pecos rat snake was famously described by noted herpetologist Carl Kauffeld in one of his books, “Snakes: The Keeper and the Kept.” The post Trans-Pecos Rat Snake Natural History and Captive Care appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.
In the United States and in other regions around the world, many common and successful species fall into the rat snake family. They are also very popular with reptile keepers due to their attractive colors and capability to thrive in captivity. Because they are fairly common in many parts of the world, Rat snakes may not garner much attention. However, there is one rat snake species in my collection that always attracts attention and captures the interest of my guests. The Trans-Pecos rat snake (Bogertophis subocularis) is a unique and attractive species indeed, with their distinctive and attractive coloration, docile nature, pink tongues and large, inquisitive eyes. When I ask friends and guests which of the snake species in my collection is their favorite, the Trans-Pecos rat snakes often get lots of votes. I guess you could say, “The ‘eyes’ have it.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125601" class="wp-image-125601 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000.jpg" alt="Trans pecos rat snake" width="1000" height="699" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000-400x280.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000-650x454.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000-250x175.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000-768x537.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000-150x105.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-axanthic-David-Powell1000-800x559.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Trans-Pecos rat snake. Photo by David Powell The non-venomous Trans-Pecos rat snake lives in a desert environment considered too harsh for many other animals. This colubrid species is native to west Texas and parts of New Mexico in the U.S, and their range extends far into Mexico and the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo Leon. The area west of the Pecos River in Texas is known as the Trans-Pecos region from which this species gets its common name, and this species has also been called the Davis Mountain rat snake. The Trans-Pecos region happens to be part of the largest desert in North America known as the Chihuahuan desert. This area is one of the most biologically diverse on the planet due to the number of plants and animals that can be found there and nowhere else. I have made numerous trips to this region, and many people inquire why I would want to vacation in west Texas. In addition to the numerous snake species that can be found out there, the desert absolutely comes alive at night with many forms of life. The night skies are luminous with stars and planets, and one can even see galaxies out there with the naked eye. The scenery, abundant reptilian life and spectacular sunsets are ideal for this born and raised Texas boy who is also a photographer. I feel at peace and one with nature out there. It is a ‘Win, win and win’ for me. Trans Pecos Rat Snake Natural History The Trans-Pecos rat snake was first documented in 1901 by herpetologist Arthur Brown. Brown was the superintendant of the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens, which was the first zoo in America (Brown, 1901). He was also the first to document the Grey-banded king snake (Lampropeltis alterna), then known as the Davis Mountain king snake. The Trans-Pecos rat snake is a species whose scientific name comes from a unique row of subocular scales around their very large eyes that have evolved to allow them to hunt at night by starlight or moonlight in the desert. This unique head structure and extra large eyes give this snake a very tame look that many people describe as “cute” or “googly.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125598" class="wp-image-125598 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000.jpg" alt="Trans Pecos rat snake" width="1000" height="733" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000-400x293.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000-650x476.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000-250x183.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000-768x563.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000-150x110.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-Pecos-Ratsnake-neonate-in-hand-0616211000-800x586.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> A neonate. Photo by Russell Rozell While it is true that other snakes have evolved to survive in harsh, desert environments, the Trans-Pecos rat snake’s large, extremely sensitive eyes give them a special hunting advantage at night in the desert. This unique adaptation makes them a bit different for other desert snake species. For example, there are many rattlesnake species that use heat-sensing pits and venom delivery systems to assist them in hunting warm-blooded prey in the desert darkness, but the Trans-Pecos rat snake hunts quite effectively without the benefit of either of those evolutionary tools. Subocularis, or suboc for short, is one of only two species in the Bogertophis genus. The other species is the Baja California Rat snake (Bogertophis rosaliae), which is another desert species that lives on the Baja peninsula in far southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Subocularis was previously a member of the Coluber and Elaphe genera before being assigned to the Bogertophis genus in 1988. It is interesting that the Trans-Pecos rat snake has resided in three different genera in less than 100 years, but most people would agree that this snake is decidedly different from most other rat snakes, racers, whipsnakes and coachwhips. Subocs clearly deserve their own genus. Their current genus of Bogertophis is named in honor of American herpetologist Charles M. Bogert, who was the chairman and curator for the department of herpetology for the American Museum of Natural History from 1943 to 1968. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125602" class="wp-image-125602 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000.jpg" alt="Trans pecos rat snake" width="780" height="1000" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000.jpg 780w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000-400x513.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000-650x833.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000-250x321.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000-768x985.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-and-egg-David-Powell1000-150x192.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /> A Trans-Pecos rat snake emerges from its shell. Photo by David Powell In addition to the distinctive head and eye structure of this species, they have amazing dark brown or even black “H”-shaped dorsal markings that contrast well with their sandy or beige background coloration. The vertical bars of the “H” markings are intermingled with light orange, yellow or brown markings that serve to create two multi-colored stripes down the entire length of the snake’s dorsal area. This coloration helps them blend in nicely with the surface of the Chihuahuan desert where they live. There are several additional color morphs, which include a “blond” phase from the lower Pecos River watershed in Brewster County, Texas that has lighter coloration and fewer dorsal markings. There is also a variant from the Franklin Mountains in far west Texas that displays steel-grey background coloration. The Trans-Pecos rat snake’s head is unmarked, and its abdomens are a pristine, pearly, cream color. Many Subocularis specimens have light gray or even light blue luminescent eyes, which greatly enhances their look and appeal. To me, the suboc’s coloration and markings look very much like they belong in the American southwest and Mexico. They are iconic! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125600" class="wp-image-125600 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000.jpg" alt="subocs" width="1000" height="733" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000-400x293.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000-650x476.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000-250x183.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000-768x563.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000-150x110.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-w-eggs-David-Powell1000-800x586.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> A female with a clutch of eggs. Photo by David Powell This species was famously described by noted herpetologist Carl Kauffeld in one of his books, “Snakes: The Keeper and the Kept.” He dedicated an entire chapter to them called “The Search for Subocularis” because he was so fascinated with this snake (Kauffeld, 1969). If you have an interest in snakes, then I highly recommend reading Mr. Kauffeld’s work, but the books are currently out of print and only used copies are available. Curator Kauffeld also quite notably amassed a complete collection of all 32 U. S. rattlesnake species for display at the Staten Island Zoo where he worked from 1936 to 1963. That is an impressive accomplishment indeed! Here’s what he wrote about the Trans-Pecos rat snake: “No doubt aesthetic appreciation of snakes is the result of long conditioning, yet many of my non-herpetological friends agree with me and seem to understand my enthusiasm for this creature. Perhaps they are only being kind, humoring my eccentricity, but to me, insignificant as this individual snake is among myriad animal forms, infinitesimal as we all are in the universe as a whole, it represents beauty and perfection-‘fashioned by loving hands,’ as one would say a work of art.” (Reprinted with permission) These are inspiring words from an inspiring herpetologist. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125599" class="wp-image-125599 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100.jpg" alt="neonate albino subocs" width="781" height="1000" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100.jpg 781w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100-400x512.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100-650x832.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100-250x320.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100-768x983.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Trans-pecos-rat-snake-albino-neonate-David-Powell100-150x192.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 781px) 100vw, 781px" /> An albino neonate. Photo by David Powell Trans-Pecos rat snakes are medium to large snakes, averaging between 36 and 54 inches (90-137 cm), with the record being 66 inches (167.6 cm) (Powell, Conant, Collins, 2016). They are strictly nocturnal and can only be found at night under proper conditions at certain times of the year within their range. However, based on my experience in west Texas, these snakes are still fairly common in the wild. Like other rat snakes, Subocularis are constrictors and prey primarily on rodents as adults, including pocket mice (Perognathus), cactus mice (Peromyscus), and kangaroo rats (Dipodomys), but they will also eat birds and lizards. Neonates and juvenile subocs are known to eat lizards. Known predators of Trans-Pecos Rat snakes include raptors, roadrunners, other snakes, skunks, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, badgers, and bears (Ernst and Ernst, 2003). Many of these snakes are also killed on the roads by vehicles. Subocs are apparently the only known host for a species of ticks known as Robertsicus elaphensis (formerly Aponomma elaphensis). These ticks attach themselves to the snakes’ tail while they are in hibernacula and are responsible for some of these snakes losing their tails in the wild. Apparently these parasites do not cause the snakes much more harm than tail loss and/or scarring. It is now believed that the ticks choose this host because sunlight harms the ticks and disrupts their life cycle, and unlike many other potential hosts, subocs almost never venture out into the daylight. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125603" class="wp-image-125603 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson.jpg" alt="Trans pecos rat snake" width="1000" height="665" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson-400x266.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson-650x432.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson-250x166.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson-768x511.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson-150x100.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Rusty-Dodson-800x532.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Hidden away for the day, a Trans-Pecos rat snake under a rock ledge. Photo by Rusty Dodson Most of what we know about Subocularis’ reproduction is derived from captive snakes. They mature at around 3 to 4 years of age, but some authorities cite the size of the snake as a more important variable than age. More specifically, they specify that the adult snakes should be at least 40 inches (101.6 cm) in length before they can reproduce. Because they are a desert species, the brumation period is shorter and less extreme temperature-wise than other species in more temperate climates. They breed in mid-to late June through mid-July, which is later in the season than many other species. Subocs also lay their eggs later in the season than other species, during the late August to early September time frame. This means that after a 6 to 8 week incubation period, the eggs may not hatch until November (Rhoads, 2008). Like many other aspects of this species, these breeding parameters are very unique. Subocs are quite docile and do well in captivity, which has contributed greatly to their popularity with reptile keepers. They are extremely tame and calm when handled and many have great personalities, if one can call it that. Even the wild subocs I have handled have not tried to bite me and seem to regard humans as merely an annoyance. My female is always available to be handled when I approach her cage. Keeping Trans-Pecos at snakes is one of my boyhood dreams that has come true because this species was well known to me and special while I was growing up in Texas. Because they can be finicky eaters when captive, I would not recommend this snake species for beginners, even though they are docile and not otherwise difficult to keep. These snakes are an outstanding choice for a moderate to serious reptile hobbyist. Breeding Trans-Pecos Rat Snakes Despite their potentially picky eating habits, I have, through trial and error, found a strategy to encourage my subocs to eat regularly. Both my male and female prefer hairless frozen/thawed rats. My female will routinely refuse similar rodent offerings with hair on them, and she even refuses hairless mice! My male will take both hairless rats and mice and sometimes eat a fuzzy rat as well. I do need to say that there are plenty of other suboc owners who don’t have these kinds of feeding issues, but some of us do. While some reptile keepers may find these nuances of feeding to be a little dubious, others will completely relate to the problems of getting certain species or individual snakes to eat regularly. I’m including these details here to encourage people to try different things to keep their animals thriving and healthy, and there are a number of ways to do that. The very first question I will ask anyone who asks me about a snake that is not eating is, “What temperature are you keeping it?” I keep this desert species at a little higher daytime temp than I keep my other colubrids. I accomplish this by using a slightly larger under tank heater than those for my other snakes. I’m keeping my subocs at 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 to 29.4 degrees Celsius.) during the day, and try to maintain about 40 to 50% relative humidity. Other than keeping them a little warmer and dryer, there is very little difference in the way I keep my subocs versus my other rat and king snakes. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-125604" class="wp-image-125604 size-full" src="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson.jpg" alt="Bogertophis subocularis" width="1000" height="715" srcset="https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson.jpg 1000w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson-400x286.jpg 400w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson-650x465.jpg 650w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson-250x179.jpg 250w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson-768x549.jpg 768w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson-150x107.jpg 150w, https://reptilesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/trans-pecos-ratsnake1000-Matt_Jeppson-800x572.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> Photo by Matt Jeppson Setting up an enclosure for one of these snakes is not difficult as long as one considers their natural habitat. I use 50 to 80 gallon glass, reptile enclosures with a fitted top and an under tank heat pad on a thermostat on one side of the enclosure. Generally speaking, the under tank heat pad should cover about 1/3 of the base of the enclosure for most colubrids, but I use almost ½ for my subocs. Every enclosure has at least two hides with one being a humidity box containing sphagnum moss or some other absorbent material. I am partial to Pangea black hide boxes and use old cat treat plastic containers for my humidity boxes. I wrap the clear treat containers in black or grey duct tape to give the snake some security and privacy. When using tape in any reptile enclosure, take care that none of the adhesive is exposed for the snake to get stuck on. I use aspen shavings as a substrate, and add tree branches, logs and rocks for stimulation and to assist in creating temperature gradients within the enclosures. Subocs can be prone to respiratory illnesses, so I make sure they have good ventilation and try to keep humidity a little lower than my other snakes. I light the enclosures with incandescent lights, and the lights and heaters go off at night via timers. The room never gets below about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius) even in the winter, so temperatures will trend toward that at night, much as it does in nature. My goal with my snakes is to create an environment as close to what they would encounter in the wild as possible. Anyone who is serious about keeping and/or breeding these snakes should read “The Complete Suboc –A Comprehensive Guide to the Natural History, Care and Breeding of the Trans-Pecos Ratsnake” by Dusty Rhoads. It is one of the most comprehensive and complete books on keeping a particular snake species that I have ever read. With their gentle nature, striking appearance, and relative ease of care, it is not surprising that subocs are so popular. Keeping a Trans-Pecos rat snake as a pet can open your eyes to a whole new variety of rat snake. The captivating dorsal patterns and fascinating survival adaptations of these reptiles will certainly spark the interest of reptile enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. I consider my yearly trips to west Texas almost a spiritual journey of sorts, and the Trans-Pecos rat snakes I find and photograph are an important part of that journey. Whenever I find a suboc out in the desert at night in Texas, it is an exciting moment and becomes yet another great memory in my life. References Brown, A.E. (1901). A new species of Coluber from west Texas. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 53(2): 492-495 + Plate XXIX. Ernst, C., & Ernst E. (2003). Snakes of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Books. Kauffeld, C. (1969). Snakes: The keeper and the kept. N.Y: Doubleday and Co. (Now Penguin-Random House). Powell, R., Conant, R., & Collins, J. T. (2016). Peterson field guide to reptiles and amphibians of eastern and central North America, fourth edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Rhoads, D. (2008), The complete suboc: A comprehensive guide to the natural history, care, and breeding of the Trans-Pecos Rat snake. ECO Herpetological Publishing & Distribution. <a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Freptilesmagazine.com%2Ftrans-pecos-rat-snake-natural-history-and-captive-care%2F&title=Trans-Pecos%20Rat%20Snake%20Natural%20History%20and%20Captive%20Care" data-a2a-url="https://reptilesmagazine.com/trans-pecos-rat-snake-natural-history-and-captive-care/" data-a2a-title="Trans-Pecos Rat Snake Natural History and Captive Care"> The post Trans-Pecos Rat Snake Natural History and Captive Care appeared first on Reptiles Magazine.