Good to be back in the herp world!

[kovacs01]

Originally Posted by eminart

Ah crap. I hate when people spread false information, and this time it was me. Thanks for setting me straight. I actually don't know much about the boas of madagascar, and I really didn't know this species existed (or that it was separate from Dumerils anyway). They do look pretty similar. I took a glance, assumed it was Dumeril's, and opened my big mouth.

Anyway, great looking snake. Congrats.

No sweat man! It is a VERY common mistake. Not many MGBs in private collections, and the differences are subtle, especially in photos. The differences:

The MGB has more of a cryptic pattern. On the dorsal portion, the pattern is much more defined on the DGB. There are definite light/dark boundaries, and that is not the case on the MGB. The head is also different. The MGB usually has copper colored patternless, indistinctly, or lightly patterned head, where the DMB head pattern is usually very well defined. Finally the MGB will generally carry many more pink/orange tones, especially in the first third of the body length. I suspect that some of the "pink" phase dumeril's out there are a result of hybridization. There are other biological and physical differences of course. But for those unfamiliar, those are the easiest things to look for

On the physiological side, the MGB is a bigger heavier bodied snake. It is more prevalent on the northern portion of the island(s) and favors slightly warmer and significantly more humid conditions.

Since data is so lacking on these, and I have had to grope blindly; it is my eventual intent to make a good solid care sheet is available for anyone else who wants to keep the species.

[kovacs01]

More pics of Atlas. He is right around 33 inches and 600 grams at the moment.

[RAD House]

Incredible, do you mind if I ask where you got him?

[Albert Clark]

I would be curious as to the temperament of the MGB. It is a stunning animal. Thanks for the description and comparison to the DGB. Nice class.

[trailblazer295]

Stunning animal for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[macandchz]

thanks for the explanation of herpetology. i thought it meant to go out and look for snakes and such. never knew it was actually a science. love the pattern of your new boa.

[kovacs01]

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

I would be curious as to the temperament of the MGB. It is a stunning animal. Thanks for the description and comparison to the DGB. Nice class.

Mostly, they are shy. He stays curled up in his hide box most of the time and will burrow under any substrate deep enough or layered enough. He is pretty defensive when I get him out of his enclosure, but after a few minutes becomes inquisitive, and seems perfectly content being handled. He has never shown any kind of aggression towards me or anyone else in any situation. He eats a f/t small rat every 5 days, and has never refused a meal. When I first got him, he would take them out of my hand. Lately he has been reluctant to do that, but the rat is always gone within 2 hours if I leave it.

This is the first I have owned, but have handled a couple of others. They were much the same.

[Albert Clark]

Thanks , and that sounds just like what I hoped to hear. Manageable animal that will have to go on my wish list.