Lake Shkodra,Albania April 2010

[Berislav Horvatic]

Well, as a dr. sc. and at the position of a "senior research associate" at a "public institute" (whatever that means,
either in Croatia or in the EU...), i just CAN AFFORD to be somewhat crazy - for how long, I honestly don't now...
But they'll find me out, sooner or later... and then what...? Join you in the US, or what? My friend, believe me,
you're not the only one being in trouble...

[Mario Schweiger]

I still remember that day and i wasn't there for herping at all.Finding that snake was a coincidence.By the way how can you tell if that's a female ?!

Beside the shape and length of the tail, in 4lineata you can tell the sex by looking on the color and he contrast between ground color and stripes

Mario

[Berislav Horvatic]

Besides the shape and length of the tail, in 4lineata you can tell the sex by looking
at the color and the contrast between the ground color and stripes

Mario, could you give us a serious, more detailed "recipe" for that, or a reference, or whatever?
Never heard of that criterion, and probably most of the others around here haven't, so, please...

[Jeroen Speybroeck]

I'm also intrigued.

[Berislav Horvatic]

I'm also intrigued.

Thanks g/God, I'm not the only one ignorant around here... So, let's wait for the master's revelation.
No kidding at all, I'd really want to know - if there is something like that to know.

[Mario Schweiger]

Sorry, I have no written reference (yet).
But look on the pictures. Unfortunately they are not photographed to see the sex. But you may check yourself, if you encounter one next time.

female, Krk island

male, Krk island

male, Krk island

female; Neretva delta

[Mario Schweiger]

you can also see the color/contrast difference here on this video.
Mating 4lineata on Krk island, May 2008

[Berislav Horvatic]

Well, I'd still prefer a clear & down-to-earth explanation in simple words, not in images... which
are (sorry, master) not self-explanatory to me, and probably not to most of the "others" around.

[Mario Schweiger]

Beside the shape and length of the tail, in 4lineata you can tell the sex by looking on the color and the contrast between ground color and stripes

Mario

Well Sir! Isnt this explanation above clear enough?
Maybe this is a more simple explanation: In males the contrast between ground color and stripes is much more prominent than in females. Females have a much more dull ground color, therefore the stripes are not so prominent.

.....and if you dont believe me, try it yourself, when you are on the island next time
I'm sure, you will agree afterwards

Mario

[Berislav Horvatic]

.....and if you dont believe me, try it yourself, when you are on the island next time
I'm sure, you will agree afterwards

For all I know (from Ivo Peranić), NEXT TIME we should all be on the ISLAND together, presumably very soon, so send me/us
a message about the precise plans - DATES.