Snakely Speaking

[Flicker]

Pulling from a question in a different thread - what EXACTLY does it mean when you state a snake is going into "blue" phase and then "opaque" phase. I noticed Flicker's eyes go blue - and I know that means he's sending fluids under his skin to loosen it - and he does look darker and more "brown" during those times... but his eyes don't stay blue - the fact that he's darker, does tht mean he's still in "blue phase"? And what is opaque phase?

[guidofatherof5]

Those are just terms for the shedding phase. Both are just loose terms created by anyone. I usually say blue phase or opaque phase. Both apply.

Pulling from a question in a different thread - what EXACTLY does it mean when you state a snake is going into "blue" phase and then "opaque" phase. I noticed Flicker's eyes go blue - and I know that means he's sending fluids under his skin to loosen it - and he does look darker and more "brown" during those times... but his eyes don't stay blue - the fact that he's darker, does tht mean he's still in "blue phase"? And what is opaque phase?

[guidofatherof5]

From Wikipedia:

Brumation is an example of dormancy in reptiles that is similar to hibernation.[2][3] It differs from hibernation in the metabolic processes involved.[4]
Reptiles generally begin brumation in late fall (more specific times depend on the species). They will often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep." They can go months without food. Reptiles may want to eat more than usual before the brumation time, but will eat less or refuse food as the temperature drops. However, they do need to drink water. The brumation period is anywhere from 1-8 months depending on the air temperature and the size, age, and health of the reptile. During the first year of life, many small reptiles do not fully brumate, but rather slow down and eat less often. Brumation should not be confused with hibernation; when mammals hibernate they are actually asleep, when reptiles brumate they are less active, their metabolism slows down so they just don't need to eat as often. Reptiles can often go through the whole winter without eating. Brumation is triggered by cold weather/lack of heat, and the decrease in the amount of hours of daylight in the winter.

[New Mutant]

What is the etymology of the word "Thamnophis"? As in, what are the root Greek or Latin words and what do they mean?

[Stefan-A]

What is the etymology of the word "Thamnophis"? As in, what are the root Greek or Latin words and what do they mean?

Greek. Thamnos (bush) + ophis (snake).

[guidofatherof5]

I knew it meant bush snake but I never knew where it originated.
Thanks, Stefan.
This is such a learning place.

[BUSHSNAKE]

Sounds familiar

[infernalis]

Corn snakes...Elaphe guttata

The Latin word elaphe means deerskin; guttata means speckled or spotted.

Sounds familiar

Joe, That's why I have always thought your screen name was rather cool.

[BUSHSNAKE]

thanks Wayne....never knew

[Stefan-A]

Corn snakes...Elaphe guttata

Obsolete. It's Pantherophis these days.

Soon, it might even be Scotophis. Well, probably not.