An interesting observation - Receptive females?

[infernalis]

Stefan, I have never witnessed such behavior in any of my snakes.

Always had assumed that the ladies were the ones to cause reactions like this in the males?

I have witnessed similar behaviour in mammals (females in heat) but NEVER in any reptile species.

That was one of the most interesting things I have read this week.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

It must have been the scent of that male!!!! I have seen many a female garter arc their tail when they are receptive. As for the wide open cloacas... I've seen a few of them open them but never really looked too much into it, figuratively or literally as in your case!!! just kind of assumed it's something they do when its breeding season... (kind of like the way my moms ANNOYING female maine coone cat is in heat and walks around meowing all day and arcs its butt into the air)... at least thats what if reminds me of!!!!

[anji1971]

Very interesting, Stefan.
I remember last spring when I found the Butler's garter. I put his tank right next to Deejay's, and though she didn't have the "open cloaca" thing going, she did get a bit crazy for a long while, busily climbing and rubbing her body on the glass facing the male. She looked like she was desperately trying to get over to his tank. I wondered at the time if it was pheromones that she was picking up on, as he was a wild snake just out of brumation, and probably on the hunt. I'd actually forgotten about the whole incident until I read your post. Something worth keeping an eye out for..........