Garter Hybridization

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Yes, but if I engaged in some captive breeding, I could probably find out within 3 years whether or not some hybrids are possible and whether or not the offspring are fertile. No DNA testing required providing I have clean-cut specimens of each of the local spercies. I guess that means more snakes..... I have room here somewhere... LOL!

[Zephyr]

Yes, but if I engaged in some captive breeding, I could probably find out within 3 years whether or not some hybrids are possible and whether or not the offspring are fertile. No DNA testing required providing I have clean-cut specimens of each of the local spercies. I guess that means more snakes..... I have room here somewhere... LOL!

Ah, but what if your clean-cut local species are in fact hybrids? :P

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Ah, but what if your clean-cut local species are in fact hybrids? :P

Ah! The ecstasy of chaos! At that point I will truly scream. But first, well, there is no way to tell without the mitochondrial journey.

Theoretically (HA!): If a male hybrid and a female hybrid (both same kinds of hybrids - let's say they are both 1/2 terrestris and 1/2 infernalis)... if they mate, and produce live babies, then WALAH! PRESTO! We need to redefine the both species! If the breeding male is shooting blanks, well then we have your typical hybrid were there is partial (male) or total sterility (How could you tell which, other than try the female with a backcross to another male from either species?).

All I want right now is to do a simple inter-special cross with 2 "classic" locality types, and see what I get. Unfortunately, that's a few classes away before I can get special permission from HSU and CA Fish and Game.
Breeding native garters is prohibited.

Thanks for tuning in,

Steve