Susan
07-15-2013, 01:18 PM
GENETICS
Wild type
Trade Names:
Red Rat Snake
Classic
Carolina
Selectively Bred Variations:
Okeetee Phase
Miami Phase
Upper Keys/Keys Phase/Rosy Rat Phase
Milksnake Phase/Banded
Locality Normals
Okeetee
Miami
Upper Keys/Keys
Alabama
Normal corn snakes have a naturally wide variation of appearances which can be illustrated by the various locality strains. Many of the specific traits seen in the locality corn snakes have been selectively bred for and outcrossed to add these specific traits to other color mutations. As a result, the term "phase" needs to be added to these variations to distinguish them from the actual locality snakes. So much selective breeding has taken place that today, many examples of a locality snake, especially ones still in their wild habitat, which were once treasured for their special appearance, no longer "fit the bill" when compared to their selectively bred variation. Luckily, a few breeders take great pride in their collections, limiting the lineage of their stock exclusively to locality specimens.
The dorsal pattern consists of orange, red or brownish blotches/saddles surrounded by a black bands that can vary dramatically in width and may connect to another saddle(s) in varying amounts. The ground color can range from light gray to tan to orange. One or two rows of side blotches can be present. The belly is white with black checkers and often, varying degrees of a tan to red wash can be present over the white and belly checks may have a faded appearance showing coloration as well. Yellow coloration often starts forming during the first year and can be especially noticeable on the sides of the jaw and neck. Pupils are black and the iris color tends to match either the saddle or the ground color of the individual. Neonates are often a dark reddish brown with a tan or gray ground color, sometimes confusing new breeders into thinking they are anerythristic. The presence of yellow-orange to orange-red "dots" between the saddles, especially on the neck, distinguish normal neonates from anery ones. It is recommended to wait until after the first shed to make positive identification is some individuals.
Wild type
Trade Names:
Red Rat Snake
Classic
Carolina
Selectively Bred Variations:
Okeetee Phase
Miami Phase
Upper Keys/Keys Phase/Rosy Rat Phase
Milksnake Phase/Banded
Locality Normals
Okeetee
Miami
Upper Keys/Keys
Alabama
Normal corn snakes have a naturally wide variation of appearances which can be illustrated by the various locality strains. Many of the specific traits seen in the locality corn snakes have been selectively bred for and outcrossed to add these specific traits to other color mutations. As a result, the term "phase" needs to be added to these variations to distinguish them from the actual locality snakes. So much selective breeding has taken place that today, many examples of a locality snake, especially ones still in their wild habitat, which were once treasured for their special appearance, no longer "fit the bill" when compared to their selectively bred variation. Luckily, a few breeders take great pride in their collections, limiting the lineage of their stock exclusively to locality specimens.
The dorsal pattern consists of orange, red or brownish blotches/saddles surrounded by a black bands that can vary dramatically in width and may connect to another saddle(s) in varying amounts. The ground color can range from light gray to tan to orange. One or two rows of side blotches can be present. The belly is white with black checkers and often, varying degrees of a tan to red wash can be present over the white and belly checks may have a faded appearance showing coloration as well. Yellow coloration often starts forming during the first year and can be especially noticeable on the sides of the jaw and neck. Pupils are black and the iris color tends to match either the saddle or the ground color of the individual. Neonates are often a dark reddish brown with a tan or gray ground color, sometimes confusing new breeders into thinking they are anerythristic. The presence of yellow-orange to orange-red "dots" between the saddles, especially on the neck, distinguish normal neonates from anery ones. It is recommended to wait until after the first shed to make positive identification is some individuals.