Scissors Crossing


Rosy Boa | A Classic Snake

Edward Drinker Cope originally described this species in 1861. According to the references, there are either four species or one with a few different subspecies. The accepted scientific name currently held by most is Charina trivirgata. To my knowledge, this is a genus still in flux with one taxonomist questioning the findings of another and so on; for the sake of argument, I will go with what I can see with my eyes.
There might be two species when looking at wild coloration. As for the six locality species, which some people are selling, I am not buying into it. I have been in the field for many years and have never seen one that would lead me to believe that there are that many species, with any discernable differences or traits that they would pass on to their offspring. I have viewed many websites, but one in particular caught my attention. It listed six different species of rosy boa (Charina spp.), some of which I hadn’t heard of before. Looking at the photos posted there, I saw the same species name listed numerous times, but the snakes themselves had a little change in pattern or color. It was claimed in the text that these were various locality species. To my knowledge, this has never been questioned, nor has it been a proven trait in the wild.


Field Herping: Anza Borrego – Lone Desert Highway

About this time, I am thinking that we should be encountering the Desert Banded Gecko C.v.variegatus that we had originally come out for. My family and I were about to leave the desert for the night and head back home for some rest, happy, but still disappointed we had not seen our target species. It was at this time that I noticed a vehicle following us. Now in case anyone is unaware, it is illegal to collect anything in most state parks. My family and I are aware of this and do not collect, but simply go and photograph those species that we are searching for.