I know they are not technically giants, but they are close enough.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Actually Russ is 100% correct on this.
Kayaudi, Kaolotoa, and the Honey Islands are all dwarf retics also.
Pure SDs islands have never been disclosed. Yes all three of those localities stay extremely small, but are not technically SDs.
Travis has been working with PURE SDs. Which is why i went with his. Ive seen so many people selling local retics as pure SD lines, when they are just the smaller dwarf locals.

Thank you Russ for posting that, because many people do not know that.
Thank you Foschi, my male is just as sweet as she is. They usually try to eat me the second they see me, then are just quite flighty, but mellow down within the first minute or so of handling.

Thanks again for the comments.

Then I guess my little 6 yr old SD which is 5 lbs and 5.5ft couldn't possibly be an SD since he came in as a Kaolotoa...

[FIEND_FO_LYFE]

Then I guess my little 6 yr old SD which is 5 lbs and 5.5ft couldn't possibly be an SD since he came in as a Kaolotoa...

If he is a Kaolotoa, then no, he is not a true SD.
Once again, there are a few extremely small locals, but even then, they are considered dwarfs.
There is only ONE locality of SD retics, and it has never been disclosed.

Its not like we are bashing anyone or anything, just saying how it is...
no harm meant.

[johnlebel97]

love sds i want one

[FIEND_FO_LYFE]

love sds i want one

They are amazing little guys. All the great things about a Retic (ie, feeding response) but with none of the size. haha Mine have calmed down with regular handling, and ive only been bitten a few times by these guys. They are more out to musk and get away then be bite.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

If he is a Kaolotoa, then no, he is not a true SD.
Once again, there are a few extremely small locals, but even then, they are considered dwarfs.
There is only ONE locality of SD retics, and it has never been disclosed.

Its not like we are bashing anyone or anything, just saying how it is...
no harm meant.

I know you're not bashing. I'm trying to actually show you the loop holes in the facts of what you have said. You are right, and wrong. Since the actual locale of any SD retic can not be known for sure (maybe with the exception of the honey island) then you can see the dilemma. I tend to trust the word of long time retic breeders like Greg and Bob but even they will tell you that the people who collected the original animals did often collect various animals from multiple places. They would then be exported in groups to the USA and other countries with paperwork stating only one origin. The only clues to actual origin come from when these native collectors realized the small ones were in demand. They then attempted to collect the smallest examples from certain islands and give better info.

So you are correct. The point I'm making is that no one can know for sure if the Kaolotoa and Kayaudi are the origins of the true SDs but it is more likely considering that the jampeas were proven right away to get fairly large and the honey islands were proven to get a foot or 2 larger than the smallest SDs.

The info on my own true SD is an example of what said above. One of the original imports but the origin of export may or may not be where that particular snake actually came from.

In the interest of preserving the species, I think it's a good idea to try to get and keep this info. What better way to prove the true origin? If everyone was able to do this, we might actually be able to solve this mystery. My male is an obvious true SD. I'm happy to know the info that was on the paperwork accompanying the group he was exported with. Wether or not it's the actual island he came from, it still gives me some info to work with. Make sense?

[Kymberli]

She's absolutely beautiful. I love her iridescent scales and I've always been a fan of the Reticulated patterns.
I assume, like Ball Pythons, a female SD Retic would grow larger than a male. What is the average length and weight that a true male SD Retic would reach?

[babyknees]

I plan to get one of these someday. Beautiful snake.

[FIEND_FO_LYFE]

I know you're not bashing. I'm trying to actually show you the loop holes in the facts of what you have said. You are right, and wrong. Since the actual locale of any SD retic can not be known for sure (maybe with the exception of the honey island) then you can see the dilemma. I tend to trust the word of long time retic breeders like Greg and Bob but even they will tell you that the people who collected the original animals did often collect various animals from multiple places. They would then be exported in groups to the USA and other countries with paperwork stating only one origin. The only clues to actual origin come from when these native collectors realized the small ones were in demand. They then attempted to collect the smallest examples from certain islands and give better info.

So you are correct. The point I'm making is that no one can know for sure if the Kaolotoa and Kayaudi are the origins of the true SDs but it is more likely considering that the jampeas were proven right away to get fairly large and the honey islands were proven to get a foot or 2 larger than the smallest SDs.

The info on my own true SD is an example of what said above. One of the original imports but the origin of export may or may not be where that particular snake actually came from.

In the interest of preserving the species, I think it's a good idea to try to get and keep this info. What better way to prove the true origin? If everyone was able to do this, we might actually be able to solve this mystery. My male is an obvious true SD. I'm happy to know the info that was on the paperwork accompanying the group he was exported with. Wether or not it's the actual island he came from, it still gives me some info to work with. Make sense?

I do see what you are getting at. The only issues with your statement (similar to mine) is that you dont know exactly where it came from. You purchased yours from a importer, and the paperwork was then "mislabeled" possibly. This is the case for SDs the paperwork is either mislabeled or lacking much info.
I cant tell you whether or not you have a pure SD, i can only verify that mine are 100% pure, and i stand behind that. Not only do i stand behind that, but so does Travis Kubes who i purchased the animals from. The whole situation is pretty muddied up. Size can vary so much, the only true way to tell you have a SD is scale count.

She's absolutely beautiful. I love her iridescent scales and I've always been a fan of the Reticulated patterns.
I assume, like Ball Pythons, a female SD Retic would grow larger than a male. What is the average length and weight that a true male SD Retic would reach?

Yes, you are correct. Females CAN hit around 8 feet and 15 lbs, but that isnt the case most the time. They tend to stay around the 7 foot range mostly.

I plan to get one of these someday. Beautiful snake.

Thank you very much. They are one of my favorites in the collection to work with.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I know about using scale count, and the pattern/number of scales on the head to tell a true SD. Problem is, I have been unable to find accurate info on this. Aside from a photo/drawing of different retic locales head scales.

If you know or can find out more info on this and pass it on to me that would be wonderful.

[FIEND_FO_LYFE]

I know about using scale count, and the pattern/number of scales on the head to tell a true SD. Problem is, I have been unable to find accurate info on this. Aside from a photo/drawing of different retic locales head scales.

If you know or can find out more info on this and pass it on to me that would be wonderful.

Cannot help you there, never had to do it. Ive always knew 100% what i was purchasing, so never had a need to. Ive looked into it a bit, but not super in detailed.