The Amazing Animals
Reptiles: Snakes«Back
Albino Monacled Cobra
(Naja kaouthia)
Southeast Asia — The albino monocled cobra is named for the conspicuous design on its hood that can feature either one or two “eyes.” When excited, cobras can inflate their elongated neck ribs, thereby showing their spectacular hood. These snakes have a pair of fixed poison fangs at the front end of the upper jaw, and each fang is connected to a venom gland. Certain specialized muscles work to open the mouth and pressurize the glands to send a jet of venom through a groove over the fang. Like many venomous snakes, the cobra’s poison affects its victim’s central nervous system. Cobras are nocturnal and live near human habitations in cultivated fields and in forests. These snakes feed mainly on rodents, small birds and amphibians. Snake charmers always keep cobras in their collection of reptiles as these snakes can raise their head to an appreciable height and inflate their hood for effect. As charmers play their flute and chant mantras while moving their head, elbows, or knees, the cobra sways its raised hood and body to focus its vision on the moving object (not to the music). Our cobra, name TK, is referred to as a venomoid, since his/her venom glands and ducts have been surgically removed by a licensed veterinarian.
Gaboon Viper
(Bitis gabonica)
Africa — This snake is a world record holder due to the fact that it is known as the world's heaviest venomous viper species and it has the longest fangs, up to two inches, and the highest venom yield of any venomous snake! Once he is excited or irritated by an intruder, he inflates and makes a threatening hiss. Primarily nocturnal, they have a reputation for being slow-moving and placid. They usually hunt by ambush, often spending long periods motionless, waiting for suitable prey to happen by. Because of their color pattern they are difficult to spot and this effect is enhanced because they like to 'dig themselves in' so that they become virtually invisible. These snakes feed on a variety of birds and mammals, such as doves, many different species of rodents, hares and mongooses. The Gaboon’s venom is a combination of hemotoxin and neurotoxin, effecting both the blood and nervous systems. Our viper is referred to as a “venomoid” since the venom glands and ducts have been surgically removed from a licensed veterinarian.
Red Rat Snake or Corn Snake
(Elaphe gutatta guttatta)
USA — This is a highly variable species that differs somewhat throughout its large range; and there are characteristics of typical locality types, giving rise to recognized phases of Corn Snake. There is some debate over the origin of the name “Corn Snake”. The most common explanation is that it comes from the species’ tendency to inhibit areas in and around corn fields. Others believe that it is derived from the checkerboard pattern on the snake’s belly, which resembles a cob of Indian corn. We have a pair of the “Okeetee” locality which was named after a plantation/hunter’s club in South Carolina, and a pair of the “Dream” morphs which are selectively bred to have brilliant coloration. Corn snakes can reach lengths of 4-6 feet and live up to 30 years. Their diet consists mainly of rodents.
Trans-Pecos Rat Snake
(Bogertophis subocularis subocularis)
Texas — This large-eyed, attractive snake is found in the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas where it is protected, and northern Mexico. Our “subocs” are the “Blonde” phases which have a stone washed look to them instead of the contrasting patterns of the normal phase. “Subocs” average about four feet but some specimens have been known to reach six feet. This species is a nocturnal, desert dweller hence the large eyes and elliptical pupils. They are a calm, docile snake which feed mostly upon rodents.
Western Hognose Snake
(Heterodon nasicus gloydi)
USA — This great pretender is sometimes referred to as the “blow snake” and the “puff adder” for its abilities to “play possum” and mimic venomous snakes such as the rattlesnake and cobra. If discovered, the hognose will spread its jaws and neck like a cobra while puffing up its body. The hognose will rattle its tail and strike, but with a closed mouth! If this aggressive bluff does not scare the attacker away, the hognose will suddenly undergo with much twisting and contorting. The mouth will hang open and the snake will roll belly up as if dead. It may even bleed from the mouth. What an amazing actor! This snake deserves an Emmy award for such a performance. We have the Dusky sub-species of hognose which averages 16-25 inches in length and are specialized toad eaters in the wild.
Chihuahua Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblocki)
Mexico — A beautiful slender kingsnake with brilliant colors from the Sierra Occidental in southern Chihuahua. There are three distinct color and pattern morphs of this uniquely patterned mountain kingsnake that exhibits lateral zigzag patterning only occurring in this sub-species. They are a very hardy snake with docile dispositions. Adults reach a length of 32”-48”.
Gray-Banded Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis alterna)
USA/Mexico – A primarily nocturnal species found in arid, semi humid climates such as desert flats, canyons and mountain areas. These animals are extremely variable and extremely colorful. Two basic pattern types exist: “Blairs” phase and “Alterna” phase. In addition, the overall coloration varies from light to dark, leading to such names as “light phase Blairs”. The names referring to roads and certain places, refers to the spots or localities where they originated. The gray-banded kingsnake is under varying degrees of protection in all parts of its range in the United States. The average adult length is 36”.
Sinaloan Milksnake
(Lampropeltis triangulum sinaloa)
Mexico – This large round-bodied milksnake is quite secretive and is the reddist of all milksnakes. It is one of the calmest of the large milksnakes, not wiggly, and a pleasure to handle. We use this snake to demonstrate the difference between a harmless snake using mimicry and the deadly coral snake which is native to the southeastern U.S.
Remember, “Red touch black, friend of Jack…red touch yellow, kill a fellow”. Farmers mistakenly believed these snakes stole milk from their cows, hence the name. These snakes feed upon lizards, frogs, small rodents and other snakes, including venomous species. It has a natural tolerance to many native snake venoms.
Northern Pine Snake
(Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus)
USA – As the name implies, the Northern Pine Snake tends to prefer pine forests such as the Pine Barrens. Pine snakes and other members of the genus Pituophis (Bull and Gopher Snakes) hiss loudly as a means of defensive threat behavior. They accomplish this feat by expelling air through the glottis. In front of the glottis is a membrane, the epiglottis, which amplifies the hissing sound that can be heard from far away. It ranges in length from 4 feet to 6 feet long and feeds primarily upon rodents.
Bull Snake
(Pituophis melanoleucus sayi)
USA – The Bull Snake is a powerfully built snake that may hiss loudly or even posture themselves in an S-shaped curve to deter potential threats. Because of this menacing bluff/display, they are often mistaken with the rattlesnake. The average adult length is about five to six feet long. We are presently working with several different species of Bull Snakes, including the Stillwater, OK locality of Hypomelanistic Bull Snakes which originate from a pair of animals that were rescued at a rattlesnake round-up in the vicinity of Stillwater, Oklahoma. When the two normal looking bull snakes were bred together they produced this locality specific mutation.
Mexican Pine Snake
(Pituophis deppei deppei)
Mexico – Sometimes referred to as Mexican Bull snakes, these are easily the most colorful of the pine snake species. In addition to an array of colors, the patterns of these snakes can also be diverse. Young Mexican Pine Snakes are usually dull in color. As they grow and shed, brighter colors begin to develop. They are sometimes referred to as “the ugly ducklings” of the serpent world. Pine snakes have keeled scales and relatively rough skin. They can easily reach 7 feet in length and are of the typical pituophis heavy build.
Albino Ball Python
(Python regius)
Arica – Ball Pythons, also known as Royal Pythons, are a relatively small and docile specie of snake. They are called ‘Ball Pythons’ because, when frightened, they coil around their head and into a ball. Ball Pythons hunt at night with the help of their labial heat pits, and their Jacobson’s Organ. During the day, they spend their time hiding in underground rodent burrows or termite mounds. Adults can easily reach 36-48 inches and have been known to live up to 50 years in captivity. It is considered a threatened species.
Albino Burmese Python
(Python molurus bivittatus)
South East Asia – The Burmese Python is a very large, heavy bodied snake that feed on a variety of birds and animals. Being one of the world’s largest snake species, the Burmese Python may feed on very large food items such as pigs and deer, yet it is considered to be one of the most gentle and beautiful pythons. This easily tamed snake is the most popular large snake in the pet trade. An excellent swimmer and climber, the Burmese Python is happy both on the ground and in trees. These large animals have been known to reach lengths of 25 feet and 200+ pounds. While Burmese are being captive bred in the U.S. and Europe, native populations are considered to be threatened.
Albino Boa Constictor
(Boa constrictor imperator)
Central and South America – In 1983 four newborn albino boas were imported from Columbia. Over the next six years the boas grew to maturity. The owners were unable to get the boas to successfully reproduce, which resulted in the decision to sell one of the males to someone who paid $25,000, probably the largest amount ever paid for a snake. In June of 1992 the first captive born albino boas were produced. There are now several different strains of the albino boa, including the original Kahl Strain, Sharp Strain, Coral Phase and the Paradox. The boa constrictor’s life span is about 25-30 years and they often reach lengths of up to 13 feet.
Albino Whitewater Rosy Boa
(Lichanura trivirgata)
USA/Mexico – Rosy boas are small heavy-bodied snakes with wonderfully calm dispositions. The Whitewater population represents a natural intergrade between the sub-species gracia and roseofuscus. They are stunningly beautiful snakes with adults averaging about 24”-38”.
Rubber boa
(Charina bottae)
USA- The Rubber Boa is related to the giant snakes of South America, the Anaconda and Boa Constrictor. All these snakes have a small spur on each side where legs would be. Rubber Boas are constrictors and feed primarily on rodents and shrews. They are found in the western United States from southern California north into coastal British Columbia and then west into eastern Wyoming. Throughout this broad range, they are spottily distributed. The chubby look and loose skin give the rubber boas get their name. They never bite, but instead curl up into a ball when disturbed; they often hold the blunt tail up, and even make fake "strikes" with it. The bones of the tail are fused into a solid block that is very strong. Sometimes it is called a "two-headed snake" because the tail is shaped like the head. Rubber boas often eat young rodents, and they probably use the blunt tail to defend ward off the adult rodents. Many snakes have scars on the tail from rodent bites. Unlike most snakes, rubber boas seem to prefer cool temperatures, and are often active throughout the middle of the night.
Kenyan Sand Boa
(Eryx colubrinus loverdgei)
Africa – The body morphology of the Kenyan, as well as other sand boas, has developed to suit a specialized niche in their desert environment. The Kenyan’s dorsal coloration provides camouflage, while the serpent’s short, stocky body allows it to slide easily through the loose sands of the Sahara desert. A crepuscular species, the Kenyan Sand Boa is active and does most of its hunting in the cool morning and evening hours of the day. When it comes to obtaining its food, the Kenyan incorporates a most unusual method. The snake will find a suitable area to hunt, bury most of their body less than an inch under the sand’s surface, leaving only its flat head and eyes exposed. There it will wait in ambush for a prey item to happen along.
Emerald Tree Boa
(Corallus caninus)
South America – Undoubtedly our most favorite snake here at Animal Junction. Emerald tree boas are the most well-known of the tree boas because of their depiction in numerous books about rainforest inhabitants. They have many unique characters that set them apart from other snakes. Although a majority of boas and pythons have heat receptor pits, they do not have nearly the quantity that emerald tree boas possess. These heat receptors enable emerald tree boas to target any animal giving off infrared radiation. The characteristic coil of emerald tree boas is very conspicuous and is only replicated by the green tree python of Australia and New Guinea. They sit draped over a single branch with their body coiled such that their head rests more or less right in the center. At maturity, the Emerald Tree Boa reaches a maximum size of six to eight feet. We are working with three different localities of the emerald tree boa: the northern or Surinam; the Amazon Basin; and the New Locality.
Anaconda
(Eunectes murinus)
South America - The anaconda is the biggest snake in the world. Also known as the Water Boa, this giant, meat-eater lives in swampy areas of tropical (warm) South America. It spends a lot of time in shallow water, hidden from unsuspecting prey. Anacondas are related to boa constrictors. They give birth to live young; 20 to 40 baby snakes are born at one time. Anacondas are carnivores (meat-eaters). They mostly hunt at night (they are nocturnal). Anacondas kill by constricting (squeezing) their prey until it can no longer breathe. Sometimes they drown the prey. Like all snakes, they swallow the prey whole, head first. The anaconda's top and bottom jaws are attached to each other with stretchy ligaments, which lets the snake swallow animals wider than itself. Snakes don't chew their food; they digest it with very strong acids in the snake's stomach. Anacondas eat pigs, deer, caiman (a type of crocodilian), birds, fish, rodents (like the capybara and agouti), and other animals. After eating a large animal, the anaconda needs no food for a long time, and rests for weeks. The young (called neonates) can care for themselves soon after birth, including hunting (but are pretty much defenseless against large predators). They eat small rodents (like rats and mice), baby birds, frogs and small fish.
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