Garter Hybridization

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Hello Everyone!

I am normally not into captive bred hybrid animals, but I am curious... Has anyone in the forum hybridized different species of garters? The reason why I am asking is because I live in a multiple intergrade zone. Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in NW California have 4 species of Thamnophis (sirtalis [fitchi & infernalis],elegans [elegans & terrestris], atratus hydrophilus, and ordinoides). Aside from intergrades between ssp., I am suspicious of some of the resultant "morphs". Many of the old school university heads are still stuck on maintaining the nomenclature, rather than reinterpreting what the definition of a species or subspecies should be. If there are any unusual patterns or colors, these are written off as variability within the species. I have, however come across too many specimens, where my gut tells me "this is a combo", a hybrid, and not an intergrade or a "morph". Gut feelings are not very scientific, but they are often the driving force behind new discovery; that's why I have gone back to school!

The attached photograph is of an apparent T. s. infernalis X T. e. terrestris. Typical of infernalis is the red head, 7 upper labials, unpatterned ventrals, and high-def red indentations (spots) pushing from the ventrals up into a black dorsolateral field. Classic features for terrestris vary; all however commonly have 2 alternating rows of black spots within the dorsolateral field, whether the background is brown, olive-brown, or partially, even completely suffused with red pigments; heads are normally olive to brown; 8 upper labials and red belly flecking are common; blue-gray bellied morphs occasionally exist, possibly influenced by Mountain intergrades. While not visible, red flecking occurred on this snake's caudal ventrals. More pictures of this specimen and others are viewable at HumboldtHerps.com (Natives Index)

Any experience you have had or word you have heard regarding hybridization ingarters would be highly appreciated, if it were sent my way.

Thank you,

Steven Krause