• Spilotes pullatus - Tiger Rat Snake

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Although not usually classified among the “giant serpents”, the Tiger Ratsnake is actually one of the longest snakes in the Americas.

The Tiger Ratsnake may be found from southern Mexico through Central America and across much of South America to northern Argentina. It also occupies Trinidad and Tobago. Five subspecies have been described.  While it seems absent from the Amazon Basin, It wouldn’t be surprised if field surveys uncovered it there in the future.

They vary a good deal in color and pattern, but whether lemon-yellow with indigo-blue blotches or solid black speckled with orange, they are always stunning.

It’s difficult for most snake enthusiasts to resist this huge, spectacularly-colored serpent, and the few that appear for sale are always quickly snatched-up (at premium prices!).   However, it’s important to understand that Tiger Ratsnakes require more space and upkeep than similarly-sized species…think in terms of an adult Indigo Snake or Cribo.  They have fast metabolisms, and their waste products are copious.


Size

Adults average 6-7 feet in length, but may reach 10 feet; 14-foot-long individuals have been reported.


Life Span

15 years or more


Enclosure

Tropical Ratsnakes are quite active and require considerably more room than do typical North American ratsnakes (they are not close relatives, but the terminology is established in the pet trade).  Adults do best in custom-built cages measuring at least 6 x 5 feet.  Stout climbing branches will be well-used.

A hide box should always be available, but many individuals prefer a forked tree branch screened by hanging plants.


Heating & Lighting

Tiger Ratsnakes fare well in a temperature range of 78-86 F; night-time temperatures can be allowed to drop to 75 F or so.  A spotlight-type bulb should be used to create a basking spot of 90 F.

Large enclosures are necessary if a thermal gradient (areas of different temperatures) is to be established.  Thermal gradients, critical to good health, allow snakes to regulate their body temperature by moving from hot to cooler areas.


Water

Water for drinking and soaking must always be available.  Bowls should be filled to a point where they will not overflow when the snake curls up within, as damp conditions will lead to fungal infections of the skin and other health problems.


Diet

Tiger Ratsnakes accept a huge array of prey items.  Captives do fine on a straight mouse and rat diet.  Unlike some snakes, they tend not to become “fixated” on certain foods, so you can offer variety in the form of chicks, gerbils and other creatures without fear of causing a problem. Hungry individuals strike wildly, so exercise care at feeding time.


Handling

Wild-caught individuals must be approached with caution.  Many calm down in time, but even long-term pets tend to move about when held, and can be difficult to control.  Care must be exercised, as they seem always on the lookout for food, may strike at nearby movements.


Breeding

Captive breeding is fairly regular, but it would be great to see more interest in this spectacular snake.  Pairs must be monitored carefully, as aggression may occur. However, unlike many similar species, compatible pairs can usually be housed together year-round.  A clutches generally contain 8-15 eggs, which may be incubated in moist vermiculite (1:1 ratio of water to substrate by weight) at 80 F for 70-80 days.


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Spilotes pullatus - Tiger Rat Snake

  • Brands Fixexotic
  • Model: Spilotes pullatus - Tiger Rat Snake
  • Availability: In Stock

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Tags: Spilotes.pullatus.Tiger.Rat.Snake