Corn Snake

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Corn Snake

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animal
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Sauropsida
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Elaphe
Species:	E. guttata

Binomial name

Elaphe guttata
Linnaeus, 1766

The Corn Snake or Red Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata) is a species of Rat Snake. The Latin word elaphe means deerskin.^[1] They will constrict out in the wild but if kept with people they will not and they are not considered extremely dangerous. Their average adult length is about 1.2 to 1.8 metres (4-6 feet) fully grown, and they can live up to 20 years. They are found throughout the south-eastern and central United States as well as parts of Mexico. The name 'corn snake' refers to the splotched pattern on its belly, which resembles Indian maize. Some, however, believe it is because they are often found in corn fields where they search for rodent prey.

1 Subspecies
2 Taxonomy
3 Natural Habitat
4 Habits
5 Diet
6 Corn Snakes as Pets
7 Variations
8 References
9 External links

[edit] Subspecies

There are two subspecies of Elaphe guttata:

Common Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) is prevalent in the southeastern United States and is distinguished by having orange skin with red blotches, the blotches having black borders.
Great Plains Rat Snake or Emory's Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata emoryi) is found in the United States from Nebraska to Texas, and into northern Mexico.^[2]

[edit] Taxonomy

In 2002, all North American rat snakes of the genus Elaphe were suggested for reclassification into the genus Pantherophis, thus changing the scientific name of the Corn Snake from Elaphe guttata to Pantherophis guttatus, however many people have not accepted the change, and it is still widely referred to as Elaphe.

In 2003 Herpetological Review rejected the change from Elaphe to Pantherophis on the basis that further research was needed. Furthermore, the International Committee for Zoological Nomenclature has not ruled on the change. Taxonomic changes do not become official until they are approved by the ICZN, until such time any published articles with reclassification of the taxonomic names are regarded as taxonomic suggestions. Official taxonomy, whether used or not, remains with the older nomenclature until changes are approved by the ICZN.

[edit] Natural Habitat

Wild Corn Snakes prefer habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned or seldom used buildings and farms, from sea level up to as high as 6000 feet. They can be found in the South Eastern USA ranging from New Jersey to the Florida keys and as far west as Texas.

[edit] Habits

In the wild, Corn Snakes tend to be quite secretive and appear mostly at night (nocturnal) or during the twilight hours (crepuscular). During daylight hours they may be found hiding under loose tree bark and beneath logs, rocks, and other debris.In colder regions, snakes hibernate during winter. However, in the more temperate climate along the coast they shelter in rock crevices and logs during cold weather and come out on warm days to soak up the heat of the sun. During cold weather, snakes are less active and therefore hunt less.

[edit] Diet

A corn snake swallowing a small mouse

Corn Snakes have a diet primarily consisting of rodents, but they are proficient climbers and may scale trees in search of birds and bats. As litters of infant mice are difficult to find in nature, many neonate Corn Snakes are known to eat small lizards as their first meals, and Carolina anoles are the preferred choice.^{[citation needed]} Some individuals retain these dietary tendencies well into adulthood. Pet corn snakes are usually fed by their owners on a diet of commercially available rodents, predominantly mice, though larger specimens may eat rat "pups".

[edit] Corn Snakes as Pets

Corn Snakes hatching from their eggs

The Corn Snake was one of the first snakes to be kept in captivity.^[3] Due to their docile nature, ease of care, average size(so they are small enough not to cost an absolute fortune and big enough to avoid that occasional escape) and wide variety of patterns and morphs, Corn Snakes are one of the most common snakes available in the pet trade.^[4] Large numbers are bred annually ensuring that there is a large captive-bred population, lifting the need to collect specimens from the wild.

Hatchling corn snakes are often kept in small deli-cups for the first few months of their lives. Once purchased a 5 or 10 gallon aquarium or similar sized plastic tub makes a suitable home. As they grow they will require more space. The minimum recommended size of housing for an adult is a 20 gallon tank.

A heat gradient from 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit on one end of the housing to 80-85 on the other is optimal to allow the snake to regulate it's body temperature. Heat can be provided by temperature controlled under tank heating pads or well protected basking lights. Snakes are prone to burns from too hot heat pads or exposed light bulbs that are within reach so a thermostat or rheostat is essential to regulate the heat source. Heat can be turned off at night and temperatures as low at 65 degrees are acceptable. Lights should be turned off at night to allow a natural light and darkness cycle, though dim red or blue lights can used at night time. Aspen or cypress shavings make great bedding, Reptile carpet, Newsprint or Paper towel also work. Feces should be removed by spot cleaning regularly and the whole tank should be washed periodically.

Cohabitation is a hotly debated issue, many critics believe it is stressful for corn snakes as they are not naturally communal animals. There are also health concerns from premature breeding and egg binding to regurgitation issues and spreading of parasites like mites. Cannibalism is very uncommon but not unheard of, often caused by feeding snakes in the same enclosure. Others have had success with cohabitation but even then most proponents of the idea discourage against housing more than 2 or 3 adults together and snakes of opposite gender should not be housed together beyond 12-18 months to prevent pre-mature breeding. Additional hiding places should be provided for snakes seeking solitude.

Juveniles can be fed pinky mice once or twice weekly, adults do well on large mice once every 1 or 2 weeks. A general rule for food size is that up to 1 1/2 the snakes body width is acceptable. Handling should be avoided for 48 hours or until the meal is digested and no lump can be seen in the snakes belly. Many owners suggest feeding in a bin outside of the snakes housing, this is especially recommend for cohabited snakes. Corn Snakes should always be fed by themselves, If two snakes try to eat the same prey they can inadvertently eat each other. Frozen/Thawed vs Live prey is another hotly debated topic, however feeding frozen/thawed mice instead of live prey is advisable for snakes in captivity due to the risk of injury.^[5] Live mice or rats that are old enough to have teeth (hoppers and larger) should never be left unattended with a snake as they can suffer serious injury or death from rodent bites or scratches. It is also considered to be animal cruelty and therefore illegal to feed live prey in some countries such as the United Kingdom..^{[citation needed]}

Corn snakes need a water dish big enough to soak their body in and need to have access to clean water at all times. Most municipalities have water that is unsuitable for corn snakes so it is advisable to use bottled water or to use a reptile water conditioner to make the water okay for the snake to drink. Unfiltered water can lead to dehydration, eating issues and other various health issues.

[edit] Variations

After many generations of selective breeding, domesticated corn snakes are found in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. These result from recombining the dominant and recessive genes that code for proteins involved in chromatophore development, maintenance or function. New and interesting variations, or morphs become available every year as breeders gain a better understanding of the genetics involved.

[edit] Color Morphs

Normal or Wildtype corn snakes are orange with black lines around red colored saddle markings going down their back with black and white checkered bellies. Regional diversity is found wild caught corn snakes, most popular are Miami and Okeetee.
Miami Corn (Florida wildtype) These are usually a smallish corn snake with better specimens having high contrasting light silver to gray ground color with orange blotches surrounded in black. Selective breeding has lightened the ground color and darkened the blotches. The "Miami" name, coined by Rich Zuchowski, now is considered an appearance trait. Many Miami corn snakes are difficult to start feeding as hatchlings, as they prefer lizards. Miami corns, unlike other varieties, will often readily accept anoles as food for life. This can simplify feeding for residents of Florida, but care should be taken to avoid introducing parasites from wild caught food.
Okeetee Corns (classic corns, South Carolina wildtype) These snakes are characterized by deep red dorsal blotches surrounded by very black borders. The ground color varies with bright orange being the most desirable. As with the Miami phase, selective breeding has changed the term "Okeetee" to an appearance trait rather than a local designation. Over hunting in their natural range for the pet trade has caused a decline in wild Okeetee specimens. Responsible purchasers should seek captive bred Okeetees.
Amelanistic (sometimes called red albino) corn snakes, produced from a single recessive genetic mutation, show wide variations in colors. They can be almost solid orange, to a dark orange on a light orange background, or red/orange on a very light background. These varying color schemes are due to reflective cells in the skin and iridophores which may contribute to subtle shades of color. These red eyed snakes lack the melanin pigment.
Candy Cane (selectively bred Amelanistic) corn snakes are created with the goal of obtaining bright red blotches on a white background. Some on the market originate solely from selectively breeding Miami corns. Others are produced using light creamsicle (emory/albino corn hybrids x corn) bred with Miami phase corns. Most candy canes develop orange coloration around the neck region as they mature. Their bright red markings as hatchlings often fade with maturity.
Reverse Okeetee (Selectively bred Amelanistic) an amelanistic okeetee corn snake which has the normal black rings around blotches replaced with wide white rings. Most are high contrast snakes with light orange to yellow background and dark orangish/red saddles. Note: Albino Okeetees are not okeetees, they are selectively bred amelanistics
Sunglow (selectively bred Amelanistic) another designer albino corn that lacks the usual white speckling that often appears in most albinos. The orange background surrounds dark orange blotches.
Anerythristic (Anerythristic A, Sometimes called black albino) are the compliment to amelanism. The inherited recessive mutation of lacking erythrin (red, yellow, and orange) pigments produce a snake that is mostly black and gray. When mature, many type A anerythristic corn snakes develop yellow on their neck regions. In 1984 a wild caught Type B anerythristic corn snake was caught which is the ancestor of anerythristics missing the yellow neck regions. Similar snakes include: stonewashed -- copper or light brown blotches; charcoal (aka muted anerythristic, Pine Island anerythristic)-- type B anerythristic, very low contrast with shaded of gray on white and black background.

Anerythristic A Corn Snake
Charcoal These Anerythristic type 'B' snakes are lacking the yellow color pigment usually found in all corn snakes. This morph is the starter for blizzard corns.
Snow (Amelanistic + Anerythristic A) As hatchlings this color variation is composed of white and pink blotches. These predominantly white snakes tend to have yellow neck and throat regions when mature. Light blotches and background colors have subtle shades of beige, ivory, pink, green, or yellow.
Blizzard (Amelanistic + Anerythristic B) corns resulted from a type B anerythristic corn caught in 1984. Blizzards are a totally white snake with very little to no visible pattern.
Hypomelanistic or rosy corn snakes carry a recessive trait that reduces the dark pigments causing the reds, whites, and oranges to become more vivid. Their eyes remain dark. These snakes range in appearance between amelanistic corns snakes to normals with greatly reduced melanin.
Ghost (Hypomelanistic + Anerythristic A) corn snakes are a hypomelanistic anerythristic (type A) snakes. They exhibit varying shades of grays, browns, and blacks on a lighter background. These often create pastel colors in: lavenders, pinks, oranges, and browns.
Ultra Ultra-hypo is a hypomelanistic like gene that is co-dominant with the Amelanistic gene. Ultra corn snakes have light grey lines in place of black.
Ultramel (Ultra + Amelanistic) Ultramel appear a lot like Amels and Ultras but due to the co-dominant gene, two bread together will produce Amels, Ultras and Ultramels.
Bloodred corn snakes carry a recessive trait that eliminates ventral checkered patterns. These originated from a somewhat unicolor Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida strain of corn snake. Through selective breeding, an almost solid ground color has been produced. Hatchlings have a slight pattern that fade as they mature into a solid orange red to ash red colored snake. The earlier bloodreds tend to have large clutches of smaller than average eggs that produce hard to feed offspring. Through out crossing with amelanistic and anerythristic corns hatchlings tend to be larger with fewer feeding problems.
Pewter (Anerytheristic B + Bloodred) are silvery lavender with very slight blotches as adults.
Caramel corns are another Rich Zuchowski engineered corn snake. The background is varying shades of yellow to yellow brown. Dorsal blotches vary from caramel yellow, brown, and rich chocolate brown.
Butter corns (Amelanistic + Caramel) A two tone yellow corn snake with bits of white between markings.
Amber (Hypomelanistic + Caramel) corns are a hypomelanistic caramel snake with amber markings on a brownish background.

"Opal" phase Corn Snake

Gold Dust (Ultramel + Caramel) Gold dust corns often have a more golden yellow than butters mixed with the grey lines rather than white.
Lavender corn snakes contain a light pink background with darker purple gray markings and burgundy eyes or lavender gray blotches on an orangish background. Variation with this same genetic strain are arguably called: mocha, cocoa, and chocolate.
Opal (Amelanistic + Lavender) look like blizzard corns once mature with pink to purple highlights.
Crimson (hypomelanistic + Miami) are very light high contrast snakes with a light background and dark reddish/orange blotches.
Fluorescent orange develop white borders around bright red blotches as adults on an orange background.

[edit] Pattern Morphs

Aztec: blotches and spots are exhibited in various sizes
Milksnake phase: banded blotches resembling coastal plains milk snake.
Motley: -- exhibiting a line of light colored spots or fused blotches,
Striped phase: a single stripe running longitudinally from head to tail
Zigzag (zipper): dorsal blotches connected forming a "zigzag" type pattern

[edit] Hybrids

Root Beer are hybrids between a normal corn snake and a Great Plains Rat Snake (Emory's Rat Snake). Root Beer snakes look much like a sepia toned corn snake.
Creamsicle are hybrids between an albino corn snake and an emory's rat snake/common corn cross. These snakes bring out the yellow and downplay the reds of the corn snake. Most are varying shades of yellow with darker yellow to orangish blotches. Clutches are generally smaller in number but produce larger more vigorous hatchlings. Creamsicle with less emory background and increased amelanistic corn generally have lighter backgrounds and red to orange saddles(red creamsicle).
Jungle corns are hybrids using the corn snake and California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae). These show extreme pattern variations taking markings from both parents -- sometimes looking very similar to one parent or the other. However, as a hybrid of different species, these attractive snakes are typically sterile.

[edit] References

^ Anapsid.org: Caring for Corn Snakes
^ Elaphe guttata emoryi (Great Plains Rat Snake)
^ http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/Biolab/wlhcornsnake.html Lawrence Hall of Science Biology Lab: Corn Snakes]
^ The Ubiquetous Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) by Petra Spiess of Rocky Mountain Herpetoculture
^ Cornsnakes.com care sheet

Pantherophis replaces Elaphe. Utiger, Helfenberger, Schatti, Schmidtkutrjytdf(2002) Russian Journal of Herpetology 9(2): 105-124.
Taxonomy citation
Animal Facts: CORN SNAKE
Taxonomy Citation - Herpetological Review [1]