how to tell sex?

[jules]

we were told lupi our garter was probably a male but we dont know. is there any specific things that we can look for?

[Stefan-A]

The size, if you know the snake's age and that it's definitely an adult, the shape and relative length of the tail and the general body shape.

If it's a female, the tail should taper off relatively abruptly at the cloaca. On a male it's more gradual and there might even be a bit of a bulge behind the cloaca. Pictures would be good. :)

[gregmonsta]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sex.JPG

A slightly exaggerated bulge but a good guide nonetheless ;)

[jules]

thanks guys . i will go and investigate. im thinking he is probably a she.

[ssssnakeluvr]

you can post some pics the tail end of the snake....shots of the underside and we can also give you a good idea of the sex...

[Stefan-A]

I recommend posting pictures for two reasons: Like Greg said, the picture is exaggerated. In fact, I have never seen a snake of any kind come even close to having that big a bulge. :D

The second reason is of course that we love pictures. :D