On November 4th 2015 the last babies of the previous year were born. It concerns a beautifull and quite big litter of the Mexicna species Thamnophis melanogaster canescens.

The mexican Blackbelly gartersnake can produce under optimal circumstances sometimes 2 liiters per year. This female had produced her first litter of 2015 on June 26th.

She was born at my place 8,5 years ago (F1) from wildcaught parents originating form Lake Cuitzeo in Mexico. She was selected because of her reddish coloration.

De father of the litter is a red wildcaught male (minimal age must be 8-9 years as well) from Lake Cajititlan in Mexico.

T.m.canescens, captive bred at the age of 2 month born in November 2015

T.m.canescens, captive bred at the age of 2 month born in November 2015

T.m.canescens, captive bred at the age of 2 month born in November 2015

This species is highly variabel as far as coloration and pattern are concerned, but all 16 babies inherited to some degree the orange-red coloration.

On the attached pictures you see three different babies (all recently eaten) at the age of roughly 2 months old.

T.m.canescens, captive bred at the age of 2 month born in November 2015

T.m.canescens, captive bred at the age of 2 month born in November 2015