The Quest for the Perfect Blue Colubrid: A Snake Enthusiast's Journey

As a snake enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the majestic beauty of blue colubrids. Recently, I've been on a mission to find the perfect species that meets my handling preferences and color requirements. In this article, I'll share my findings and experiences with different blue colubrids, highlighting their pros and cons.

My initial search led me to the Coluber constrictor foxii, also known as the Blue Racer. While they're undeniably stunning, I found that their head shape distracted me from the rest of the snake's body. Moreover, they're notorious for being aggressive and biting frequently, making them less suitable for handling.

Next, I explored the Baron Racer (Philodryas baroni), which are smaller than my ideal size. Although they're not as rare as some species, their wild-caught origin makes it challenging to find a blue phase individual.

The Rough/Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus/Opheodrys vernalis) is another contender, but I've heard that they do poorly in captivity. As for the Blue Stripped Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), while they're attractive, they're smaller than my desired size and have less prominent blue coloring.

The Rein Rat Snake (Gonyosoma frenatum) caught my attention due to their striking appearance, but I couldn't find much information on their temperament. Some breeders reported that they can be aggressive and difficult to handle. The Buttermilk Racer (Coluber constrictor anthicus) shares similar concerns regarding handling difficulties.

My dream snake is the Australian Common Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulatus), especially in its blue phase. However, living outside of Australia makes it nearly impossible for me to acquire one. I've also considered other species with blue phases, such as green snakes, but they often require specialized care and handling.

As a snake enthusiast seeking a handleable and non-aggressive species, I'm open to suggestions from the community. If you have any experience or insights about these or other blue colubrids, please share your knowledge. Does anyone have recommendations for finding a breeder outside of Australia? I'd be grateful for any guidance.

In conclusion, my journey has been filled with excitement and discovery, but also some disappointments. As I continue to research and explore the world of blue colubrids, I'm hopeful that someone will shed more light on this fascinating group of snakes. If you have a favorite species or breeder, please share your story in the comments below. Together, we can find the perfect blue colubrid for our collections.

Coluber constrictor foxii eye