Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri

 

Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri
Photo by Harald Holler
 
Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri previously known as Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri belongs to the larger of the american snakes. Animals above 2 meters are frequent, but they are mature in much smaller size. They live in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mississippi and intergrade with P. o. obsoletus and P. o. spiloides in the outer perimiter of their distribution. They can be found from sea level to 3000 feets elevation. This snake is highly variabel in its coloration but has always 25 - 38 (normally 30) darker blotches on the back. In central Texas they hibernate about 3 months a year often together with other animals like coppeheads, brown snakes, leopard frogs and toads.
 
Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri
Photo by Harald Holler
 
This ratsnake is not so often seen in captivity in Europe. Many animals called lindheimeri has proven to be the nominate form or integrades. It is a very beautiful and easy snake and can be recommended even for the beginner. They prefer a large and high terrarium. If the heating spot is placed in the upper part of the terrarium, they will show an aboreal tendensy and present themselves at their best. Keep them at about 25*C during the day and slightly cooler in the night.
They are fed on mice, rates, gerbils, and dayold chickens and will accept very large food items.
They don`t need to be hibernated to breed, but they prefer a cool and dark period before breeding. Copulations take place in the early spring, and the eggs are deposited after approx. 45 days. We kept the eggs at 29*C and they hatched after 53 - 56 days. The juveniles are very easy to keep and will normally accept newborn mice after their first shedding.