Just curious

[snakemom1961]

Living in Michigan I know of course there aren't native corn snakes, but we do have native black rat snakes.
Since they are very close relatives, does any one know or know of a site I can look at that would show the physiological differences are between the 2 that would keep corn snake being able to live through our harsh winters, but allow the black rat to survive?
Any info would be more then welcome.

 

[tstephe3]

Hmm.. Good question.. I have no idea. It'd be nice to know. Cuz the black rats are also native to Ohio. I've never seen one. But, it would be cool to know.

 

[snakemom1961]

Well I've never seen one in Michigan, but I know they are native here. Thinking of trying to do a little herping in a few weeks to see what I may find up here.

 

[mike0179]

Here is a good link that might help you herping. I love this website...

http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Elaphe+obsoleta

As far as physiological differences between the two, I wouldn't think there are that many seeing how both snakes are in the Elaphe genus. But then again, I'm no biologist.

 

[snakemom1961]

Thanks Mike. That was great reading and refer to that site on many times in the future I'm sure. But like you said it doesn't really answer why corns can't exist up in the north throught the winter.

 

[kathylove]

I doubt that there IS a really good answer...

Since corns are native to relatively northern areas such as NJ, the differences that stopped them from migrating further west and north could be very subtle. It could be something as simple as lacking the instinct to go deeply enough to hibernate safely in really cold winters. Or it could be that other competitors, such as some rats or kings, might have several characteristics that allow them to out compete corns in the colder climates, thus leaving less food or some other need shared by all of them. I doubt that there will be one particular physiological trait that could be discovered as the reason for their absence. And I suspect that there are areas outside of their range that corns could become established in. It would probably depend a lot on the micro habitat / climate, suitable, accessible hibernation areas, food, and lack of competition from similar species. And of course, luck in enough corns finding each other in just such a location.

I could be totally wrong - I am not a biologist. This is pure speculation. If anyone finds any solid info, I would be interested to hear it.

 

[tstephe3]

That makes sense Kathy. Lol.

 

[snakemom1961]

Thank you Kathy, That does make alot of sense. Thanks so much for your opinions.