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Euprepiophis mandarinus, the Mandarin Rat SnakeThe Mandarin Rat Snake belongs to the taxonomical Family Colubridae and within this to the extremely large Subfamily known as Colubrinae. Formerly the mandarin ratsnake was considered part of the excessively comprehensive genus Elaphe, but its genus, Euprepiophis, very recently was resurrected due to phylogenetic research (Utiger, Urs, Notker Helfenberger, Beat Schätti, Catherine Schmidt, Markus Ruf and Vincent Ziswiler (2002) "Molecular systematics and phylogeny of Old World and New World ratsnakes, Elaphe Auct., and related genera (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)." Russ. J. Herpetol. 9 (2): 105-124). Euprepiopis mandarinus can be loosely translated as "fair mandarin snake" (Greek euprepiophis, from euprepes = good looking, fair + ophis = snake; and Latin mandarinus = a latinized form of the word mandarin). |
Our Mandarins |
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Boys |
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Lao TzeLao Tze (also Lao Tzu or Laozi) means the Old Master, and the historical figure with this name, a Chinese imperial annalist more or less contemporary of Pericles of Athens, is the sage to whom the Tao Te Ching is attributed. As Taoism is a form of wisdom much more than a religion, it does fear no blasphemy; and we find that Lao Tze's purposeful movements and gentle strong grip, when he interacts with a human, convey a sense of harmony and relaxation. Lao was born in 2005 and was bred by Lycina's friend, author and biologist Timothy Gebhard. |
Girls |
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Chin P'ing MeiChin P'ing Mei is named after the late XVI century Chinese novel, the Plum in the Golden Vase, which is both allegorical, erotic and philosophical; for a mandarin ratsnake, this seems to us completely appropriate. Chin has a proud character that tolerates no mishandling, but is curious and surprisingly mellow when treated with calm respect. Chin was born in 2005 and was bred by Lycina's friend, author and biologist Timothy Gebhard. |
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Shou XieShou Xie means handwriting, and she was so named because of the CO that is patterned on her back. She's a nosy gal who cannot keep her tongue out of people's business, and really really friendly. She was born in 2007. |
