Unexpected new addition

Will0W783 · 10-22-12, 08:33 AM

I vended at the Hamburg show on Saturday, and I sold a few things. I was not intending to buy any more snakes, as I'm short on money at the moment, but at the end of the show I was talking with my friend who breeds Old World vipers, and while we were chatting, this little purpureomaculatus kept drumming her tail and striking at the side of her tub. I chuckled and said, "typical purp, huh?" Darren said she was a CB 2011, from last February, and that the market isn't what it used to be with them, did I want her? I told him I'd love her, but I couldn't buy anything. He told me he'd like me to have her, and just take her and give her a good home...so I have a stunning little Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus girl now!! The common name for these guys is purple-spotted pit viper, purple mangrove pit viper, or mangrove viper. They're known for their vile tempers and very alert nature, and are generally pretty hardy and great eaters in captivity. I've got no idea what I will name her, as I wasn't planning on having one so soon. She's quite the pretty little thing though, and I'm thrilled. My viper collection is growing nicely.

Here are the pictures I got so far...I have to find the good camera so you guys can see her colors a bit better.

Roadtrash · 10-22-12, 11:30 AM

Nice! How big is she?

Will0W783 · 10-22-12, 11:41 AM

Hmm, I'd guess she's about 10-12 inches long? It's hard to eyeball, as she's always reared up in attack mode. Heehee, gotta love cranky vile purps!

etc · 10-22-12, 12:22 PM

Quite nice of your friend, and congrats of your new purpmac. Be careful, but do enjoy..

Will0W783 · 10-22-12, 12:44 PM

Oh, I know to be verrrry careful with the snappy little beast! They have nasty bites with lots of pain and necrosis...not fun.

I still am shocked he just gave her to me....I am very grateful.

rmfsnakes32 · 10-22-12, 12:56 PM

Very pretty

iBaman · 10-22-12, 02:12 PM

very pretty!

MoreliAddict · 10-22-12, 02:25 PM

I love that species Kim!

Again, excellent taste.

Looking forward to more pics of this gal.

Will0W783 · 10-22-12, 02:26 PM

Thanks MoreliAddict. I really love all Cryptelytrops. They are neat snakes, and such variety in colors and temperament. It's amazing the difference in attitude between this girl and my Wetar, although they look like the same snake, just different colors. The head shape and body structure is identical. Evolution is something, isn't it?

**Aaron_S** · 10-22-12, 02:39 PM

So I guess you need to find a mate then?

Will0W783 · 10-23-12, 08:47 AM

Perhaps eventually, Aaron. For now I'm focusing on enjoying the species that I have. My friend that gave her to me told me that he will get me an unrelated male when this girl is ready. I'm in no rush to breed the vipers; I love them, but I'm a tad uneasy with the prospect of dozens of locked-and-loaded babies filling my house. In two years, my female eyelash vipers should be ready to go, and I will start with them. They are more common, and purportedly not terribly difficult to breed. Once I have success with them, I'll move on to some of the rarer species. I value my snakes very much, and I have had some bad experiences with breeding pythons, so I'm in no rush. I'm also especially not in a rush to breed purpureomaculatus, due to their tempers...the babies are born pissed off! lol. Here's my mentor's litter of purps from a few years back...they look like vile, difficult babies!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXAWHru5Pfo

SWDK · 10-23-12, 10:22 AM

I saw your new addition at the show. It was directly across from the table I was vending. I really like it. Congrats!!!

Will0W783 · 10-23-12, 10:39 AM

Thanks Dave! What were you selling there? To be honest, lately I pretty much make a bee-line straight for the venomous stuff.

I see you're from the Poconos; I grew up in Harveys Lake, which is just north of Wilkes-Barre. It's nice to see herpers from my home area!

SWDK · 10-23-12, 11:27 AM

I was selling stuff for a friend who reserved a table, but couldn't make it. He had a southern copperhead, Pygmy rattlesnake, tegu, Cali king, 35 baby beardies and old equipment and aquariums.

I'm familiar with Harvey's Lake. I grew up in Plains Township, which is near WB.

Will0W783 · 10-25-12, 10:38 AM

Here are a couple more shots I snapped last night. She's relaxing and getting more comfortable with her new surroundings.