Gonyosoma Frenatum
"Rein Snake"
Colubridae
Description
This beautiful snake length around 120 cm (4 foot) long and males up to 165 cm (5"4) and is as thick as a thumb. Newborns are born a blue-ish gray with a few small black spots and sometimes faded yellow lines. Similarly to youngs Gonyosoma Boulengeri, after around two years it changes to adopt its green color, ponctuated by very small black stripes and occasionnal blue tones. They also carry a black stripe on their head since birth.
They have an average livespan of 15 years.
Some snakes carry a recessive gene, which prevents the production of the yellow pigment. It is called an Axanthic Morph, and with it the Gonyosoma Frenatum never takes its green coloration at adulthood.
Like the others Gonyosoma, this colubridae is pretty nervous, tho less aggressive than a Gonyosoma Oxycephalum for example. They won't bite immediately if they feel threatened ; They start by signaling wether by hissing or adopting the classic "S" position. They will try to flee after a stressful encounter. If they attack, they can use their tail or bite. While this snake's bite is harmeless, it can sometimes be a bit painful, like a cat's claw. They remain a pretty shy specie overall. While moving, they mimick a twig being blown in the wind. They are rarely seen in the wild due to their mimicry
Natural habitat
Firstly discovered in Taiwan in 1996, they are found primarely in China, Vietnam, Thaïland and India, the Gonyosoma Frenatum thrives in subtropical mountainous forests. They are diurnal and arboreal species which appreciates staying in low trees, bamboos or bushes. While moving, they mimick a twig being blown in the wind. They are rarely seen in the wild due to their mimicry
Maintenance
A spacious terrarium is recommanded for this specie. A 120x60x80 (4"x2"x3") would be good for a single adult specimen. It must be equiped with a heat source, a thermometer and a hygrometer. I would also recommand a bioactive terrarium, with a loose and absorbent substrate like blonde peat or coconut humus. It needs many branchs on different heights, mosly placed horizontally, and an elevated hiding place such as a bird nest box. The humidity needs to be controlled ; It needs to stay around 50 to 60%. The day temperature needs to be between 22 to 24°C, with a hot spot at 28°C maximum. The night temperature needs to get down to 18 to 20°C, with a hot spot at 24°C maximum.
Nice plants suited for this terrarium :
Diet
They usually drink from the water dropplets fell on them or the leaves. In the wild, they feed primarely on birds and rodent. In captivity, they can be fed mice and rats.
Reproduction
Oviparous, the female lays between 4 to 8 eggs per clutch.
In captivity, the Gonyosoma Frenatum must hibernate for 2-3 months at a temperature of 12°C to 15°C (53,5°F to 59°F). Coming out of hibernation, the female will eat and the male will get put into the female's enclosure, and the mating can start. When the eggs are laid, they need to be incubated at 27°C (80,5°F) for 65 days. When they hatch, the newborns length approximatively 23 cm (9 inch).
Protection status
Least concern, IUCN 3.1
