Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri

(rechingeri)

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri males

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri is a dwarf form of the four-lined snake. It lives on the Cyclean islands Greece. Adult size is about 120 cm.   A unicolored form from Amorgos is previously called Elaphe rechingeri (look text below)

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri semiadult female

This four-lined snake is a calm and easy snake for the high terrarium. It likes staying in the top of branches overlooking the surroundings. Like most european ratsnakes, they prefer a slight cooler inviroment than the american ratsnakes. They are fed with rodents or day old chickens. Hibernation is mandatory for breeding success. Copulations take place about a month after hibernation and the 4-8 eggs hatch after 54-56 days at 27 degrees Celcius. Juveniles are fed with newborn mice.

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri male

We had and bred both color forms some years ago. Both can come out of a single clutch. They are easy to seperate after their first shedding. The unicolored form is light brown with darker saddles on the back as juvenile, and the striped form is grey with darkbrown or black saddles. Adult colors will appear after 2-3 years.   An intermediate form has been found in the wild on Amorgos with very faint black stribes.

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri male

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri juvenile

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri, female

Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri, male