Florida Blue vs True Florida Blue?? Eh? Questions Questions...

[CrazyHedgehog]

As seen on my earlier thread, I recently bought a Similis, A beautiful snake but..
When I went to buy the San Franciscos, the breeder asked what else I had,
when I mentioned Florida Blues, he said I could buy this lone male from him.
I was very excited but then exclaimed at juust 'how blue' he was,
the breeder said, ah that's because he is a 'true' Florida blue, a Similis.

I was still happy to get him, even though he won't be with the Florida Blues,
but now I have several questions..

1. do people mix these up?
2. has any one ever bought a Similis or T.S.Siirtalis incorrectly due to the common name?
3. Have they been cross bred (I am assuming this is frowned upon) but what was the outcome.
4. Also, what is or is there a common name for Similis or is True Florida Blue it?

I have bought three Florida blues from Pet shops and Doncaster Expo, one is way more blue than the others, but was sold under the common name Florida Blue not the latin name,
5. could it be Similis? how would I know?
6. Apart from being 'more blue' are there any tell tell signs, as the Similis I have just looks like a bluer Florida blue?

[d_virginiana]

There are people on here who can help you out with how to tell the two subspecies apart...

But, a 'Florida Blue' is a morph of Eastern garter with patterning very similar to a Similis or 'True Florida Blue'. Similis will tend to be more blue, but that's not a great indicator of species. Florida blue easterns can also be greenish or olive colored. The main difference I've noticed is that Similis tend to be very pissy
They are often confused, especially by people who aren't really familiar with garters. Not only are they probably accidentally interbred in captivity with Fl. blue easterns, but they almost certainly interbreed in the wild as well since the similis is a subspecies of Eastern garter and their range overlaps completely.

[CrazyHedgehog]

The main difference I've noticed is that Similis tend to be very pissy .

this new one is Definitely a Similis then! - no doubt!

they almost certainly interbreed in the wild as well since the similis is a subspecies of Eastern garter and their range overlaps completely.

thanks, I did not know this!! so ok to put him in with my Florida Blues or is this still frowned upon...?

[BUSHSNAKE]

There is a huge difference between a florida blue(sirtalis sirtalis) and similis and once youve seen both you wont mix them up....theyre that different...

[BUSHSNAKE]

They remind me more if a blue striped ribbon snake then a florida blue...
the lateral stripes are more defined like the blue striped ribbon snake

[d_virginiana]

thanks, I did not know this!! so ok to put him in with my Florida Blues or is this still frowned upon...?

Don't do this unless you're absolutely sure they're the same sex. It's still frowned upon. No one wants to buy an interspecies baby, and it's not ethical to release hybrids into the wild.

There is a huge difference between a florida blue(sirtalis sirtalis) and similis and once youve seen both you wont mix them up....theyre that different...

I was talking about people who don't really know a lot about garters. Like, the ones that sell them off labeled as species that don't even exist.
It's a pretty common mistake among people who know nothing about snakes, and one that I've been asked a lot by friends just getting into the hobby and asking for 'first snake' suggestions... You know, kind of like mistaking racers for freakishly giant rat snakes (you have no idea how many stories I've heard of 10 ft long rat snakes that were clearly racers).

[CrazyHedgehog]

thanks all, they are separate anyway as there is a huge size difference at present anyway,
but I will keep them separate when the others grow now.
(so now looking for a female Similis! )

I have just been and taken photos, and you are right, when close comparison, there is quite a difference.
I am not so sure I could tell the difference if offered one alone though.
here are some pics..

similis


2 florida blue, you can see the difference in colour here


one of those Florida Blues


tiny Florida Blue male


its clearer now that you examine the pics.. the lateral stripe really does stand out more.
but thanks for all the help

[d_virginiana]

Houdini approves of your choice in garters.

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[gregmonsta]

Blue Garters from Florida - Caresheets