bull sexual dimorphism and combat

[mkper5]

Hello, I have a few questions on the differences between sexes of bullsnakes. I have read a few articles stating that male bullsnakes reach larger sizes than females. Is there any truth to this because in most snake species...I think it's 65%, the female is larger. Also is there any correlation between larger male size and male/male combat because I have also read about seasonal fighting between the males for mates. Anyone have any info...I find this to be an interesting subject. Thanks

 

[thebrandonisgood]

I've always heard/read that the males get bigger. It makes sense for the males to grow large if combat happens during mating season. Unlike human fighting, size probably decides the winner of tustles 99% of the time. Though I just made that number up and have no real data to support it.

 

[homegrownherps]

Of the Bullsnakes I currently keep or have had in the past , it seems that the most of males tend to be larger, there were a few that were the same size as the females. I have never had any where the female was larger than the male.

I have never put two males together , therefor never witnessed any combat from mine. I am sure size has some outcome as to who will win , but I think strength and stamina plays the biggest role when it comes to combat.

To ensure survival, the strongest, fittest specimen usually wins to bred and create offspring.

Even when it comes to "human fighting", the biggest person is not always the victor.

 

[mkper5]

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Thanks for the info. I thought that there might be a correlation between combat and male size.