UVA/UVB question

[nolagurl]

Is it imperative that Boas get UVA/UVB lighting? I've never used it before and I have very healthy animals, so the vet says. I recently purchased some full spectrum lighting for my Boa and my Ball Python. Is it necessary? Is it a waste?

Lighting is so freakin' confusing! The January 2004 "Reptiles" issue featured an article dedicated to special reptile lighting needs and I'm still dumbfounded.

[LISA127]

i don't believe snakes need any lighting at all, just enough heat...

[Linds]

It isn't at all necessary to provide boids and most colubrids with any lighting. Being nocturnal they have very low requirements, as well as they feed on whole prey items that have the proper cal/d3 balance for them.

[Invictus]

I concur with Linds - nocturnal snakes do not require spectrum lighting at all. I've heard some whisperings of studies that show UV lighting being detrimental to nocturnal snakes, but I'm not sure if I believe that.

Even diurnal snakes such as the Eastern Indigo do not require UVA or UVB.

[eyespy]

Most snakes don't even have UV receptors in their retinas, so they can't tell whether or not you provide it. ;)

[Vanan]

Most snakes don't even have UV receptors in their retinas,

Interesting. Is that for real? Do you have a source you could refer me to about that. Thanks! :)

[eyespy]

Read the second last paragraph for snake-specific info. There are 2 components needed for UV perception, double cones and oil droplets. Most snakes have neither although there is some speculation that certain Thamnophis species might have oil droplets in single cones that allow for limited UV perception.

http://www.pigeon.psy.tufts.edu/avc/husband/avc4eye.htm

[C.m.pyrrhus]

I see it as just really good lighting. If you want to use it, no problem. Full spectrum lighting brings out better color quality in you herps. Not nessesarily needed for snakes, but won't hurt. It all depends on what you want.

[Vanan]

Thanks eyespy! I do have to agree with the fact that most snakes have no need for UVA but I'm suspicious about garters, green snakes and a bunch of other diurnal species. Hopefully that page will help. :) Thanks again!

[eyespy]

Good old Google to the rescue once again. I found this little tidbit about garters for ya:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9251253&dopt=Abstract

[Linds]

Eyespy,
Interesting reads, thanks for posting them :)

[Vanan]

Yea thanks eyespy! :)

[nolagurl]

Well in that case...would anyone like to buy some UV bulbs from me? Hehe