KeysReptiles.com
| Florida Keys Native Breeding Projects |
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| Deckerts Rat Snakes Elaphe Obseleta Deckerti |
| Deckerts Ratsnakes, like other animals native to the Florida Keys, have developed adaptations for island life and differ from the Yellow Ratsnake in many ways. These snakes are selectively bred to illustrate these adaptations and their island heritage. Visual Adaptations - Deckerts background color is olive to brown, sometimes achieving a tan that is close to golden. Also, Deckerts retain their saddle blotches which turn from gray to a silvery graphite and differs from their Yellow Ratsnake cousins. Arboreal Adaptations - hurricanes and tropical storms can at times render precious terrestrial habitat unusable. Deckerts will eat, den and mate in the trees. In captivity they will time and again select a suspended nest in their enclosure, while a Yellow Ratsnake in an identical enclosure will Habitat and care - For most requirements one could refer Yellow Ratsnake care kind of regular light cycle. Temp should range from 74NTL / 83DTH in the summer and at least 2 months of hibernation temps at 58NTL / 76 DTH for breeding purposes. Deckerts tolerate a wide range of ambient humidities but may require misting in dry environs during shedding. They will also accept a wide variety of food items in the wild or in captivity. One appropriately sized rodent per week should suffice except during hibernation when feeding should be seriously decreased if not stopped. Enclosures should have at least 1 hide box and a water bowl that the snake can fit its body in. Deckerts will use hanging nests and climbing branches if provided. |
| Rosy Rat Snakes Elaphe Guttata Rosacea |
| Rosy Ratsnakes are also native to the Florida Keys. Rosy Ratsnakes are very close to achieving their subspecies status. They not only display visual and habitual adaptations, but also scuttellation(arrangement of the reptiles' scales) adaptations. Visual Adaptations - Rosies have a higher average number of dorsal blotches than Red Ratsnakes 35-50, rarely less. Ground color varies among specimens, especially with regards to locale. One trait that remains a constant to one degree or another is a significant lack of black bordering around the saddle blotches and lack of black and white checkers along their ventral surface. Physical Adaptations - The real proof that Rosacea deserves its subspecies status is that their bodies are actually different from that of the Red Ratsnake. Rosy Ratsnakes have more ventral and subcaudal scales than either of the recognized subspecies of guttata. Guttata vs. Rosacea - Using the traditional methods of taxonomy like geological history, fossil records and scale counting, the dispute over the validity of the subspecies has gone on for some time. Perhaps with modern tests like genetic typing, there will one day be a final determination. We believe there is enough evidence to warrant preservation of the subspecies in its uncontaminated form. As habitat destruction and genetic contamination continue to render this species, domesticated versions of this animal may be all that exist to represent its species. Habitat and care: Refer to Red Ratsnake care guidelines. Rosy Ratsnakes are nocturnal in the wild but seem to adapt well to any light/dark period they receive in captivity. Temps should range 74NTL/83DTH and at least 2 months at 58NTL/76DTH for breeding purposes. Rosies can adapt to a wide range of humidities and normally do not require misting. Snakes require a hide box and adequate sized water bowl. They adapt well to captivity and are considered good starter reptiles for beginners. Rosies will tolerate initial cage inadequacies and frequent handling and will rarely bite. |
*Note the extreme, almost complete lack of black bordering around the saddle blotches and lack of black and white checkering along their ventral surface! |
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We located this Florida MudSnake in the Everglades. He was a really docile and beautiful find! |
| This Brooks Kingsnake is a native treasure normally found in South Florida alone. |
| This Florida's Fabulous book of Reptiles &Amphibians has great pictures of our most common native snakes |
| Rosy Red Rat Snakes are special to the Florida Keys, an offshoot of the red ratsnake |
| This Southern Ringneck snake was a rare and beautiful find for us here in Florida. This is their adult size! |
| is the biggest reptile in Florida and a common sight here in the Everglades. We saw this one on Alligator Alley. |
