The Complete Suboc:A Comprehensive Guide to the Natural History, Care, and Breeding of the Trans-Pecos Ratsnake

by Dusty Rhoads

The Trans-Pecos and Big Bend region of West Texas attracts more herpetologists, herpetoculturists, and reptile aficionados than any other part of the United States for one very simple reason . . . there are more snakes. Of all the snakes found there, however, very few have inspired species-specific fans and followings. The Trans-Pecos Ratsnake is such a snake.

Commonly called the suboc, the Trans-Pecos Ratsnake ( Bogertophis subocularis ) is a bonafide Southwestern favorite – a snake hailed by award-winning authors and herpetoculturists, David and Tracy Barker, as “cute…with the face of a Disney character”. A Trans-Pecos Ratsnake is credited as Bindi Irwin's first snake experience and the one that got her hooked on snakes. Interestingly, this snake was also the favorite of acclaimed author Carl Kauffeld. Subocs have a morph price range that rivals those of designer pythons and boas, and finally, they have their own book.

Written with a true completist approach by ratsnake breeder Dusty Rhoads, The Complete Suboc presents an unprecedented wealth of knowledge about this handsome serpent. All of the known color and pattern morphs that have ever hatched are displayed, as well as images of 25 specific localities of animals spanning the species' vast Chihuahuan Desert range. Ratsnake fans will also appreciate a bonus chapter covering the other western ratsnakes of North America: The Baja Ratsnake, Western Green Ratsnake, and Baird's Ratsnake are all reviewed with the most up-to-date information concerning their history, husbandry, breeding, and color morphs. With all of this – plus notes on breeding techniques by David and Tracy Barker, detailed chapters on both natural and captive history, untouched herpetocultural topics such as natural vivaria design and zoo enrichment methods, an impressive bibliography, and much, much more – the reader is sure to find great value from this pioneer work on the most beautiful of the
western ratsnake species of North America.

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