Rat snake. Corn snake The main enemies of the snake

Corn snake extremely popular among terrarium enthusiasts, because The snake is quite unpretentious in keeping, it quickly tames and does not experience aggression towards humans. What is this reptile like in conditions? wildlife? What is interesting and unusual in her life? What habits and disposition is it characterized by? Let's try to find out about all this in more detail, revealing the mysteries and secrets of snake life.

Origin of the species and description

The corn snake is not endowed with poisonousness, it belongs to the family and is a genus under Latin name Pantherophis. The reptile is called the red rat snake, apparently based on its color and taste preferences. The snake is also called a spotted climbing snake, and in the private collections of terrariumists this snake is known as a gutata. For humans, this snake species is completely safe.

Video: Corn snake

Many people ask the question: “Why is this corn snake?” There are two versions about this. According to the first, the snake is nicknamed the corn snake due to the fact that its favorite habitats are those sown with corn and granaries, where the reptile deftly catches all kinds of snakes. The second version suggests that the snake is called maize snake, because the pattern on its abdominal part is similar to the corn kernels found on the cob.

Until 2002, only two subspecies of corn snake were recorded, but after that, herpetologists identified another subspecies, now there are three in the taxonomy. The dimensions of the reptile vary within two meters, but such extended specimens are rare; the average length of a corn snake is usually no more than one and a half meters. There is a huge variety of colors of maize stripe, which we will try to understand in more detail.

Appearance and features

Corn snakes have a rather extravagant and bright appearance. We figured out their dimensions, but the color of reptiles is represented by a large number of variations. Such different colors of the same reptile species are scientifically called morphs.

Let's describe the most famous of them:

• The “Amelanism” morph is characterized by the fact that the black tint in the snake’s color is completely excluded. The snake's eyes are colored pinkish or red, and the general tone of the body matches the eyes, white-pink or reddish;
• the “Anerythrysm” morph is distinguished by the fact that the snake has no red tint, the predominant background of the reptile is light gray with slight splashes of yellow in the neck and belly;
• morph “Hypomelanism” - the color is dominated by various shades of brown, as well as grayish tones;
• the “Charcoal” morph has a neutral gray or brownish background, and yellowish pigmentation is practically eliminated;
• the "Lava" morph is due to the dominant black color, which makes the reptile almost monochromatic with the presence of small black specks;
• the “Caramel” morph is characterized by the fact that the red tone is completely replaced by yellow, creating a caramel effect;
• “Lavender” morph is the most interesting and unusual color, distinguished by the fact that melanin is completely absent, due to which the snake acquires delicate lavender, pinkish or coffee shades.

It is worth noting that among such a wide variety of snake outfits, the natural coloring of the corn snake is characterized by an orange background with red spots on it, which are beautifully outlined by prominent black stripes.

Now you know how to keep and care for corn snake at home. Let's see where he lives.

Where does the corn snake live?

The corn snake is considered an indigenous inhabitant of the North American continent. Indeed, it has firmly established itself there, spreading widely throughout the continent. The snake is most often found in the eastern and south-central regions. This creeping creature also lives in the north.

The reptile loves a wide variety of areas, preferring deciduous areas. The snake also settles in rocky crevices, which serve as reliable and secluded shelters. The snake person does not bypass those covered with green grass. Often the snake is adjacent to human settlements, living not far from barns and human dwellings. Numerous populations of these creeping creatures live close to farms and cultivated lands throughout almost all of North America, in various provinces of Mexico and the Cayman Islands.

Interesting fact: The corn snake has been spotted in the massifs, climbing to a height of about two kilometers, although most often it does not settle so high.

Basically, snakes prefer terrestrial life, but they are also at home in trees and bushes, deftly maneuvering among the branches.

If we talk about such an artificial home for the corn snake as a terrarium, then it is better that it be horizontal. Its height should be at least half a meter and its width 40 cm or more. The presence of all kinds of branches and snags is mandatory so that the situation is similar to natural. There are many more different nuances of arranging a terrarium, which we will not focus on.

What does the corn snake eat?

The corn snake goes hunting at dusk or in the pre-dawn hours, when it is not yet dawn. Possessing excellent night vision, it sees even better during these periods than during the day, so it easily detects prey.

The snake menu mainly consists of:

• small rats;
• small birds;
• bird eggs;
• chicks.

With his captured snack, the snake deals with it, wrapping it around it and applying a powerful choke hold, squeezing its muscular torso. When the prey dies, the meal begins, which, like most reptiles, begins with swallowing the prey from the head.

The diet of a rat snake living in a terrarium is similar to that of those living in the wild. It consists of mice, rats and chickens. Little snakes are fed with newborn mice. A mature snake needs to be fed weekly (once every five days). Typically, terrarium keepers use pre-prepared and killed food, which is frozen in the refrigerator. They do this so that their pet snake does not get injured when swallowing live prey. Of course, the dish must be defrosted before serving.

Snakes living in captivity are often fed with all sorts of vitamins and mineral supplements to keep the reptile's body strong and healthy. Required condition is the presence of a clean source drinking water, so it needs to be constantly changed. During the molting process, feeding the reptile should be avoided, because... It’s already not easy for the snake, and it doesn’t move much. It is better to treat the snake 3 to 4 days after the molting is complete.

Interesting fact: If you pick up a corn snake immediately after feeding or actively touch it, the reptile will most likely regurgitate what it has eaten, so it is better to leave the snake that has eaten enough alone.

Features of character and lifestyle

As already noted, the corn snake is active at dusk or late at night, and then it engages in its hunting craft. Mainly, this reptile leads a terrestrial life, but it also does not feel bad on the branches of trees and shrubs.

Interesting fact: It has been noticed that mature snakes begin to climb trees more and more often, switching to a semi-arboreal lifestyle.

In regions with harsher climates, snakes go into hibernation for the winter. Specimens living to the south hide in their lairs in cold weather, but do not go into suspended animation. Snakes love to warm their sides under the warm sun, crawling out into places exposed to the sun. During the day and in intense heat, they try not to leave their secluded shelters.

Do not forget that the corn snake does not have poisonous weapons, and its appearance is attractive and extravagant, which is why it has become a real favorite for many terrarium keepers. If we talk about the disposition of the reptile, then, according to the assurances of the same breeders, it is very peaceful, does not differ in aggression, has a calm disposition and a completely good-natured character. The corn snake easily makes contact and quickly gets used to a person, beginning to trust him.

TO positive qualities The snake can be attributed to its unpretentiousness. Terrarists say that it is not difficult to maintain. Snake owners assure that the snake itself will never be the first to attack and bite a person. Gutata is friendly towards his owner and allows himself to be held in his arms. According to the snake's dimensions, small terrariums are suitable for snakes.

Interesting fact: The harmless corn snake is very similar in appearance to the copperhead snake. Without knowing the nuances, snakes are easy to confuse. The main difference is that the rat snake's head is more narrowed, and the color has square spots.

Social structure and reproduction

Snakes become sexually mature by the age of one and a half years, but females are ready to reproduce closer to three years of age, because gain sufficient mass (about 300 grams) and length (about a meter). In the wild, the wedding season begins in March and continues until May. This occurs in regions where snakes hibernate over the winter. Where it is warm, mating games can take place all year round.

Corn snakes are oviparous reptiles; the female stays in position for about a month and a half (sometimes less), after which she begins the difficult process of laying eggs. The masonry is established in rotten stumps, fallen trees, and secluded burrows. The main condition for the successful development of embryos is that the nesting site has the necessary humidity and warmth. Typically, the expectant mother lays ten to fifteen eggs. They have a white shell and a cylindrical shape; their length can be from 4 to 6 cm. The female lays eggs once a year.

The incubation period lasts a couple of months, after which small snakes are born, the colors of which are much paler than those of their parents. After each regular moult, the color saturation increases. Molting continues in snakes throughout their lives, in young people it is more frequent, and mature specimens are subject to this process twice a year.

Interesting fact: Newborn baby snakes have a tooth with which they break eggshells during hatching.

In artificial conditions, rat snakes also reproduce successfully, the main thing is that the owner of the terrarium creates everything for this the necessary conditions. Sometimes it happens that newly born snakes refuse to eat, then they need to be force-fed to avoid death, because babies are the most vulnerable. Corn snakes live in captivity for 10 years, and even less in the wild. There have been cases when snakes in terrariums lived up to 18 years. Inexperienced young animals are the most vulnerable and exposed to all sorts of threats.

People can also pose a danger to the reptile, because the snake often settles not far from their homes. A person can confuse a harmless spotted climbing snake with a very poisonous copperhead, because only a competent specialist can distinguish them. Often stormy human activity acts as an unfavorable factor for the reptile, because, occupying more and more earthly spaces for their needs, people are gradually displacing snakes from their permanent places of residence.

Mice and rats, which it prefers to feed on, pose a certain threat to the snake, because rodents are often infected with various diseases that also kill reptiles. Snakes swarming in a terrarium often have poor health; such statistics are observed more and more regularly. Mortality in captivity for no particular reason began to be observed constantly, which greatly upsets terrariumists. Perhaps this happens due to non-compliance with all the necessary rules for a favorable life for a snake person.

Population and species status

The distribution area of ​​the corn snake is very extensive, it occupies almost the entire North American continent. The reptile is found almost everywhere on the territory. Large populations of these snakes have been seen near various North American and Mexican farms.

Of course, human activity has an impact Negative influence on many representatives of the animal world, but there is no evidence that the number of the corn snake population has sharply decreased. The rat snake population remains stable, with no reports of sudden declines or increases.

Based on all this, it is worth adding that the corn snake or red rat snake is not endangered, does not cause any concern among environmental organizations, and therefore is not under special protection. Perhaps such a favorable situation regarding the number of reptiles has developed due to the fact that the corn snake has become a very popular pet and successfully reproduces in a terrarium, which is good news. We can only hope that such a stable situation in the population of these amazing reptiles will continue to be maintained, without experiencing any obvious threats to their numbers from outside.

In conclusion, I would like to wish all owners of this bright and reptile that they conscientiously fulfill their duties regarding snake care, then corn snake will make them happy long years with its rich and rich colors and friendly, peaceful character, bringing a lot of positive emotions.

Locality: USA (SW/C Texas) south to
Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas)
Type locality: USA: Texas, Jeff Davis County, Apache Mountains, Fort Davis (Yarrow,1880)



The species is named after Spencer F. Baird, a 19th-century Smithsonian zoologist.
One of the smallest snakes, very close to rat snakes, adult individuals reach only 120 - 140 cm. The record individual is known to be 157 cm long. It lives at altitudes from 300 to 3000 meters above sea level. Inhabits mountainous areas forested areas limestone canyons, rocky crevices, forested highlands, in Mexico found in pine forests, among dry thorny bushes.

The color is quite variable (see album at the link). Individuals from Mexico usually have a brighter color, somewhat similar in tone to the color of the hybrid E. o. rossalleni X E. o. quadrivittata. Another one characteristic- the color of the head of the Mexican population is significantly more different from the color of the neck. In individuals from Texas, this characteristic, depending on the specific area, is either critically weakly expressed or close to that of the Mexican population (on the border with Mexico).

Pantherophis bairdi - Texas

Pantherophis bairdi - Mexico

We will describe the color in more detail, citing a quote from the Aqua Logo website:
"A distinctive feature is four longitudinal stripes, two stretch along the back, two on the sides of the body. Often the stripes are not clearly expressed, but large vertical spots are noticeable between them. With age, the stripes become clearer and the spots disappear. The main color tone of the barn owl is grayish-brown The edges of the scales, which are yellow or yellow-orange in color on the front of the body, closer to the tail, become bright orange, which gives this snake an interesting wavy color. Mexican specimens are much brighter colored than Texas ones. Their entire body may be yellow-orange. The heads of specimens from Mexico are plain, those from Texas have a pattern of dark stripes and spots. Juveniles have 48 or more transverse stripes on the back and tail, interspersed with rows of small dark spots."
A clutch usually contains from 4 to 15 eggs, the incubation period of which is 60-83 days.

Known morphs: Albino, Hypomelanistic




http://vk.com/album-48961717_181068214

The article can also be found in the group on VK at the link:
http://vk.com/polozy?w=wall-48961717_517%2Fall

Pantherophis spiloides (DUMÉRIL, BIBRON & DUMÉRIL, 1854).

Pantherophis alleghaniensis (HOLBROOK, 1836)

Locality: USA: east of the Apalachicola River in Florida, east of the Chattohoochee River in Georgia, east of the Appalachian Mountains, north to southeastern New York and western Vermont, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, south to the Florida Keys .

Type locality: sumit of the blue Ridge in Virginia and highlands of the Hudson.

Allegheny snakes were isolated from rat snakes. Generally speaking, the current taxonomy of rat snakes is, to put it mildly, inadequate (it is believed that there are no subspecies), so we will make an amendment.

Nowadays, the Allegheny snake species includes such subspecies as:
Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata (four-banded rat snake, Yellow rat snake);
Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni (Rossallen rat snake, Everglades rat snake).

As well as color variations that occur in the area of ​​overlap between the habitats of the above-mentioned subspecies and the island population. Thus, two subtypes are often distinguished, which are controversial in validity:
Elaphe obsoleta deckerti;
Elaphe obsoleta williamsi.

Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata - distributed in coastal North Carolina, South Carolina, Central Georgia and south to Florida. Lives in pine and deciduous forests, reed beds, orchards. Juveniles are colored typically for the entire species: dark gray or reddish spots on a light gray background. In adults, the color of the back and belly varies from pale to bright yellow, in southern regions even orange. Two dark longitudinal stripes run along the upper side of the body. Sometimes there are additional faint spots. Reaches 100 - 170 cm, record individuals up to 213 cm.

Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni - found only in the very south of Florida, in particular in the territory national park Everglades. Inhabits wet prairies with sparsely growing trees and shrubs, subtropical forests and reed thickets. In juveniles, the main color tone is light gray, with darker spots on the back. Adults are entirely bright orange or orange-red. Sometimes dark longitudinal stripes faintly appear on the back. Reach 90-180 cm, up to 221 cm.

Elaphe obsoleta deckerti - found only in the Florida Keys, limited to the southernmost part of Florida from the Miami area to Cape Sable and Key Largo, where it frequents salt marshes. Inhabits subtropical forests and wetlands. The color of the young is similar to other subspecies, differing in greater saturation with ocher tones. Adults are yellow ocher, orange or dark orange-red. Dark longitudinal stripes are usually well defined, as are spots along the ridge. They reach a length of 100 - 120 cm.

Elaphe obsoleta williamsi - found in the north of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula in the contact zone of two subspecies - E. o. quadrivittata, characterized by longitudinal striping and distributed along the west coast of the United States and in Florida, except for the southern part, and spotted E. o. spiloides, found in the southern United States from Mississippi in the west to Georgia and Northern Florida in the east. The “williamsi” color variant, which combines the design features of the two named forms, is considered either the result of their hybridization or an independent subspecies. When bred in captivity, this type of coloration appears to be stable. The main tone is from light olive to light gray. The pattern consists of four dark brown longitudinal stripes, between which there is a row of 28-33 gray-brown transverse saddle-shaped spots, darker on the sides than in the center. On the neck, the spots are unclear or completely absent, so that only two longitudinal stripes remain. The top of the head is usually without a pattern, grayish. The iris of the eye is gray or grayish-brown. The belly is olive-yellow. Reaches a length of 100-150 cm.

A map of habitats and their overlap can be seen in the species album.

In fact, it is usually extremely difficult to determine the subspecies only in the case of hybridization, which often occurs both in captivity and in nature. The habitats of the subspecies are slowly but surely undergoing urbanization, as a result of which, for example, bright, contrasting, monochromatic, carrot-colored ones without longitudinal stripes and with extremely difficult to distinguish remains of juvenile spots of Rossallen snakes can be found less and less often, because they are increasingly mixed with the four-striped subspecies of the rat snake.

In terms of maintenance, all subspecies are the same; the conditions of maintenance are similar to those of corn snakes. They have a slightly more nervous and timid character, which is why they have a biting character. Usually they make one, less often two clutches per year. There are usually about 10-15 eggs in a clutch; it is stated that in the subspecies rossalleni there are up to 20, in quadrivittata up to 30. Wintering is extremely desirable, suitable temperature values ​​are 12-17 degrees, however, deviations are possible. From my own practice: in severe frost The wintering temperature of the powerful male rossalleni dropped to +4 degrees for several days. It is not recommended to reach such values. If the snake is not in excellent health, it may not survive such a harsh winter. They prefer to eat rodents and birds. They grow quite slowly maximum sizes reach approximately 3 years (for comparison, the Vietnamese thin-tailed snake gains 90-95% of its maximum length by 1.5 years), however, they mature quite quickly; with proper feeding, females are ready for reproduction at 2 years, males at 1.5.
An interesting fact is worth mentioning separately. Rat snakes (including Allegheny snakes) have perhaps the MOST distinct juvenile and adult coloration. Compare the color of the same rossalleni in the album at the link; only difficult to distinguish remnants of spots remain. There are few analogues in the world of snakes. Almost all species change their color from the moment they hatch from the egg to the age of two years. A green python can change from bright red to green or yellow, but it does not have the same pattern as rat snakes, so its changes, although extremely beautiful, are not so significant!

I recommend reading this article on the taxonomy of the rat snake complex:

Climbing snake or white rat snake. In fact this is one of the rare species a snake with white skin, but not red eyes, but blue. The snake reaches a length of almost 1.8 m. The eyes are quite large. This "leucistic" variation was bred in captivity and is not found in nature.

Often, when breeding, a leucistic pair can produce offspring of a different color.

This subspecies lives in North America from southern Canada to the southern United States. The snake prefers damp places, for example in dry areas - river valleys, ravines, in humid areas - broadleaf forests, bushes, wastelands. Sometimes it can be found near cities.

Rat snake feeding

rodents, birds and their eggs, lizards, frogs. In captivity, he is fed once a week with mice of the appropriate size.

Reproduction

During the breeding season, the female lays 12 to 20 eggs. Young snakes are born after approximately 65-70 days at an incubation temperature of 27-29°C.

In captivity, white Texas snakes are kept in a horizontal terrarium. Minimum size terrarium for one snake – 70x40x60 cm (excluding the height of the lamp). The temperature is maintained using a thermal cord or thermal mat. In a warm corner during the day – up to 30-32°C, at night – 23-25°C. You can keep snakes one at a time or in a group of 1 male and 1-2 females. The terrarium must be sprayed regularly to maintain humidity. There should be a bath with fresh water in the corner of the terrarium. Wood chips or coconut chips or mulch can be used as soil in the terrarium.

Snakes are not poisonous, but are quite aggressive, especially during molting. She shows her aggressiveness in to a greater extent at the moment when he foresees danger and is driven into a corner.

Lifespan

The snake's lifespan is up to 17 years.

The original was taken from Children from the Cage. V. 184. Ross Allen's rat snake.

Ross Allen's Rat Snake lat. Pantherophis obsoletus rossalleni)
It is found only in the very south of Florida, in particular in the Everglades National Park.

The total length ranges from 1.2 to 1.8 m.
Young animals gray, the body is dotted with brown spots. As it grows, the body becomes orange-yellow, some individuals have a reddish tint. The spots practically disappear, but remain slightly noticeable in dark background shades; sometimes they appear as no more than two faint lines on either side of the spine.

These snakes love deciduous forests, bushes, clearings, wastelands, mountain forests with rocky screes. In the south, in arid areas, habitats include river valleys, ravines and canyons.

They are active during the day and, in warmer months, at night. In reality, they simply follow the habits of their prey. They feed on rodents, small birds and their eggs.

This is an oviparous snake. Mating occurs in the spring, between March and May, and laying occurs between May and July. The female lays 12-20 eggs. Young snakes appear after 65-70 days.
This snake is very attractive with its color.

All pictures were taken by me at the Moscow Zoo.

Country of Origin: USA

Size: up to 2 m

Life expectancy: up to 17 years

Exterior

The rat snake or marsh snake belongs to the colubrid family. This is a slender and fairly long snake. Its body is bright orange or yellow-orange in color, covered with keeled scales. There are 4 dark stripes along the body. Young snakes are not as brightly colored as adults and have gray spots on their backs. As they grow older and develop an orange color, individuals gradually disappear over the course of 1 - 2 years. The rat snake's head is flat and resembles the tip of a spear.

Story

The homeland of the Rat Snake is the USA, it lives in the south of Florida. Inhabits wet prairies with trees and shrubs, subtropical forests and reed thickets.

Character

Rat snakes are not poisonous, but are quite aggressive. They show aggression when they feel threatened or driven into a corner. Then the snake can bite the owner. Such bites are quite painful and the wound can bleed for a long time. Rat snakes belong to the genus of climbing snakes, so they climb trees well and can crawl even on a vertical surface. These snakes are active during the day and night hours. In winter, they, like many other cold-blooded animals, hibernate.

Rat snakes are kept in a horizontal terrarium. For one snake, the terrarium should be no less than 73x40x60, excluding the height of the lamp. To maintain the temperature in the terrarium, you need to place a thermal cord or thermal mat. Optimal temperature during the day 24 -28 degrees, at night - 18 - 20. In a warm corner, the temperature should be 30 - 32 degrees during the day and 23 - 25 degrees at night. Lighting in the terrarium must be provided in such a way that daylight hours are 9 - 11 hours. Humidity must be maintained at 75%. The soil in the terrarium is made of two layers. Forest soil is usually placed underneath (can be mixed with sand or small pebbles). Fallen leaves, moss or pieces of bark are placed on top. You can also use a special mixture for orchids, which contains crushed bark of coniferous plants. Suitable shelters include driftwood, small stones, peeled knotted roots, and upside-down shards. flower pots and other similar items. Shelters should be located not only on the ground, but also on branches, which must be placed in the terrarium and secured well. Snakes need to be provided with conditions in which they can climb. It is also necessary to install a spacious drinking bowl. Rat snakes are fed rodents (mice, rats, hamsters), chickens or quails. It is recommended to feed adult, mature snakes once a week; young ones can be fed a little more often. In preparation for wintering, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number of meals. During wintering itself, the snake does not need food. Also, when preparing for wintering, you need to gradually reduce the temperature in the terrarium and reduce daylight hours. Rat snakes can be kept individually or in groups.