another garter-esque addition

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Just thought I'd share this neat new addition, and definitely new-thread-worthy. My income tax present to myself, a pair of captive bred drop dead gorgeous Mud Snakes, Farancia Abacura. these little guys are very similar to garters in their habits. They are semi-aquatic and feast on things near and in the water. They specialize in salamanders, frogs and tadpoles and as adults, sirens and eels. Little gems had a salamander each while still in their shipping deli cup. Not a whole lot of people get to see these, purely because they're rather shy. They're also known as hoops snakes, because for some odd reason, there is a totally false and ridiculous myth out there that they will bite the end of their tail and roll down a hill. Adults can reach 4 feet in length and lay massive clutches of up to 100 eggs! They are pretty unique in that the mother watches over her nest until the babies hatch, and if provoked, the first line of defense is to simply poke you with a pointy tail tip. Mine will be switched over to easier food sources. I highly recommend this species to all garter lovers!!! (but only if you are an advanced keeper!)

[guidofatherof5]

Very nice.

[gregmonsta]

Pretty for sure nice additions.

[drache]

they are beautiful, Shannon
congrats

[GartersRock]

Nice!! Those have been on my list for a while now! Congrats!

[Sid]

Those are beautiful specimens, Shannon. When I get to do some herping near the coast I have been able to spot them, usually without a chance to even get a photo.

[Snake lover 3-25]

beautiful snakes

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

thanks guys

even my boyfriend was getting tired of hearing me talk about how badly I wanted mud snakes!! Then some cb babies pop up for sale after like, 2 or 3 years of searching and I coulnd't resist!

[Jeff B]

Shannon I too have been wanting muds after seeing them in books and in adds, nice score, that is a gorgeous one you have there, and great photo with contrast with the budding tree. They kinda look like a flame garter only better. How is there disposition? are they docile, do they musk or bite? Those eyes are wicked looking!

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Shannon I too have been wanting muds after seeing them in books and in adds, nice score, that is a gorgeous one you have there, and great photo with contrast with the budding tree. They kinda look like a flame garter only better. How is there disposition? are they docile, do they musk or bite? Those eyes are wicked looking!

Thats the nice thing about them!!! They neither musk, nor bite! Instead, mud snakes have a different approach. They will flip over and expose their bright colored belly, and if you pick one up that is scared, he will simply start firmly pressing his pointed tail tip into your skin. Not near enough to pierce your skin, but I heard it's a funny feeling!!!! Kind of like being suddenly stabbed by a garter hemipene (I used to have a male garter named smiley who did that regularly. he would stab my arm with his hemipenes!)