What is remarkable about the Californian banana snake?

Terrariumists in our country do not meet so many species of snakes. Most often, the variety is limited to a few pythons, slides or horrors. But in the world there are many more reptiles that are quite suitable for keeping them in captivity.

One of the best contenders for this role is the Californian royal banana snake. The Latin name is L. getulus californiae banana. It is one of the most popular non-venomous snakes that can live and multiply excellently in captivity.

Characterized by its incredible morphological diversity: depending on the places of capture and the nature of the surrounding area, dozens of subspecies are distinguished.

Features of behavior

As a rule, the Californian banana snake leads a daily life. However, in hot and arid regions these reptiles can switch to exceptionally nocturnal activity. In winter they fall into suspended animation.

They feed on small invertebrates, rodents and other snakes. Do not disdain to attack and chicks. Like other royal snakes, they kill their prey, wrapping around it. The epithet "royal" snake has received just the same for its ability to feed on other reptiles, including poisonous ones. In particular, this species can attack the rattlers (the genus of the viper family). Naturally, they are not immune from the poisonous bites of their "lunch", but they have a high enough immunity to them.

It should be noted that banana snake resorts to this method of nutrition only in case it is very hungry. Regular diet is not important. Moreover, in nature, it is not uncommon for a gremuknik and the species described by us to be quite comfortably neighbors, settling under the same stone. To protect against the attack use a technique known to all naturalists who dealt with the horrors: releasing from the cloaca a smelly smelling gruel, they seek to escape from their abuser.

Lulls the royal banana snake up to six times a year. It is easy to notice the approach of molting, because during this period its eyes become cloudy, becoming "dairy". Young growth sheds much more often. At this time, snakes need rest, shelter and increased humidity. Because of the actual loss of vision, they are very disoriented, they do not go hunting.

It is a common misconception that a banana snake is a viviparous species. This is not true. These reptiles multiply, laying eggs. Type of impregnation - internal.

Eggs are postponed from May to August, 42-63 days after mating. You can see the approach of the cherished hour by looking at the behavior of the female: it becomes more active, constantly choosing the right place for masonry. Usually, "no more than a dozen eggs are born," although cases are often found where twenty pieces were found in one nest.

The vipers hatch in about two months, reaching no more than a dozen centimeters in length. With good maintenance and nutrition in the adult state, they can grow up to one meter.

Especially this kind is suitable for beginning breeders. The fact is that the Californian banana snake, whose photographs are in the article, is completely non-aggressive and not particularly demanding on the conditions of keeping and feeding.