Ribbons & garters breeding??

[Lori P]

This is probably a really dumb question, and it's probably something I should know... will ribbon snakes and garters interbreed?? As I start to get new enclosures set up, I'm wondering who I can mix safely.

Thanks!!

[Stefan-A]

If it's uncertain, the safest thing is to assume that they can.

[Lori P]

But is it uncertain? Has anyone known of them to interbreed?

[Stefan-A]

Can't use inductive reasoning on this one.

[Lori P]

Better safe than sorry, in other words. Okee dokee then. You old wise Stefan, you.

[infernalis]

Lori, I have personally never heard of such a hybrid existing.

For a successful fertilization to occur, there has to be a certain degree of genetic compatibility.

I cannot say with utmost certainty that they would be genetically incompatible, but comparing a ribbon to a garter would be like comparing a human to an ape. (close, similar appearance, same genetic class, different species)

Realistically, I doubt you'd have babies any time soon putting a ribbon with a garter.

I'd be more concerned about physiological impact, the 2 species behave differently enough, that one may be unsettled by the others presence.

[Stefan-A]

The psychological impact would be the least of my concerns.


Wayne, how many known cases are there, of species within the same genus being unable to produce hybrids? Humans and chimps are a poor example, since Homo and Pan aren't as closely related as T. radix and T. proximus, for example.

Interesting side note: apparently, the Soviets tried creating human/chimp hybrids.

[Lori P]

Thanks, Wayne. I have had a ribbon living with the garters, and everyone seems comfortable; but then Reed, the ribbon, has always lived with Curious, a garter. Those two spend most of their time together, almost always in the same hide. Too cute. :-) They certainly seem to have the same habits and behaviors... as far as I can tell. But then for all I know, they're in there calling each other names... lol

[GartersRock]

As far as I know they can. I have seen ribbon x garter crosses.

[wolfess]

Interesting side note: apparently, the Soviets tried creating human/chimp hybrids.
Well now you're just talking abt my first boyfriend!