Cross Breeding in Snakes

Snakes all appear to be superficially similar in body design. There is, however, a significant genetic separation between the numerous families of snakes, and venomous and non-venomous snakes in particular are not capable of hybridizing. Under normal circumstances, even closely related species do not readily cross breed in the wild, but there are exceptions. Hybridized snakes most commonly occur under captive conditions, where enthusiasts actively encourage cross breeding among select snake species.

  1. Australian Western Brown Snake

    • Genotypes, or different versions of the Australian western brown snake, interbreed and hybrids are common in the western Australian wheat belt. These cross-bred individuals exhibit patterns and colors typical of both of their different parents. Due to the abundance of exotic vegetation, which took over after the removal of native plant species, prey and habitat constraints for the western brown snake no longer exist. Individuals from different genotypes are no longer confined to localized areas and come into contact with each other, which would previously not have happened.

    Australian Myth

    • A common Australian myth relates to the interbreeding between carpet pythons and various highly venomous snakes. According to the myth, the hybrid offspring possess both venom and the ability to constrict. These offspring are also said to have the huge physical makeup of a python. Venomous snakes are from a completely different family than constrictors, however, which makes it impossible for these snakes to mate and produce fertilized embryos.

    Similar Genetic Make-Up

    • Snakes that are of the same genus are able to cross breed, and reptile hobbyists regularly hybridize three African house snake species -- the brown, dotted and cape. These three types of house snake are commonly imported into and bred in the U.S. Infertile offspring typically appear after multiple generations of cross breeding. Reptile enthusiasts also have successfully hybridized ball and carpet pythons and have termed these cross breeds "carbals." "Sinacorns" is the name given to hybrid corn and sinaloan milk snakes. Carbals and sinacorns would not occur under natural conditions.

    Milk Snakes

    • Reptile enthusiasts often keep milk snakes as pets and would hybridize them to produce specific color combinations. These highly attractive snakes do not grow large and are easy to handle. Due to their popularity, snake keepers attempt to continually produce novel color strains for the captive market. Each new color receives its own unique name, such as the apricot pueblan milk snake.