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RE: Boomslang coloration
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by Chance on February 21, 2005
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Though I only have experience with a few individuals, I believe I can fairly accurately answer your question. No, all boomslangs do not turn black after an extended period in captivity. The reason that some do turn black is, at least to me, unknown. Dr. Bryan Fry (posts as BGF on here), who has studied boomslang venom, commented once that it may have something to do with diet or UV exposure, or lack thereof. Of the 3 adults I've kept, only one turned black, or I should say blacker. She was already a dark greenish black when I got her as a fresh import, and over the next several months proceeded to turn a more 'blacker' black. My other two, a bright green male and olive green female, retained their normal coloration for over a year and a half. I've seen other very LTC booms that were green or black with bright green speckles on the scales. I hope this was of some assistance.
-Chance
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RE: Boomslang coloration
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by Nightflight99 on February 24, 2005
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Hi Bob,
I have observed this in a number of D.typus specimens, but certainly not in all. I would estimate the time span, over which this change occurs, to be approximately 6-12 months. Of course, this change is distinct from the ontogenic change that is well known to occur in juvenile specimen.
The reason for this change has not been investigated specifically for this taxon, but I assume that dermal chromatophores are involved in this process.
~TE
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RE: Boomslang coloration
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Anonymous post on March 1, 2005
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Thanks for your replies- second set of copulations going on now so maybe I will have some eggs later. My male had some green coloration particuarlly near the head but that slowly (over a year) went to solid black.
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