Yeah, Paul - that's good info and your point is valid...

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Posted by Animals for Education on April 19, 2001 at 05:15:37:

In Reply to: Re: Elaphe g. guttata - Cornsnake or Red Ratsnake ? ... posted by Paul Hollander on April 18, 2001 at 13:45:34:

I guess your reference info reinforces my first point regarding the 'validity' of common names.

This taxon has 2 broadly accepted vernaculars. Perhaps the idea of applying both names differently (to differentiate wild-caught Elaphe g. guttata from from their captive-bred counterparts) is a modern artifact of the modern herpetocultural boom. This variety of snake was probably the first type to be bred regularly. I'm sure that with the large number and variety available, different common names denoting origin, colour and pattern were readily adopted to alleviate confusion.
Most of these snakes that I have encountered in trade are called 'Corns' and (virtually) all of these are C.B. Whenever an importer (I'm in Canada) and/or wholesaler features wild-caught animals, they are usually listed as 'Red Rats'.
In addition, when I talk to family and friends living in Florida - they always use the term 'Red Ratsnake' to describe this species when they encounter it in the 'wild' (okay - their backyard! LOL).

Of course, the devision of how these names are applied may only be a product of my subconscience, and not as widely accepted as I believe.

I gotta see my therapist.

Maybe a Rose IS a Rose after all (or so I keep telling myself - "Self : A Rose is a Rose" etc.)!

- CornyGuy

Animals for Education

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: I guess your reference info reinforces my first point regarding the 'validity' of common names. : This taxon has 2 broadly accepted vernaculars. Perhaps the idea of applying both names differently (to differentiate wild-caught Elaphe g. guttata from from their captive-bred counterparts) is a modern artifact of the modern herpetocultural boom. This variety of snake was probably the first type to be bred regularly. I'm sure that with the large number and variety available, different common names denoting origin, colour and pattern were readily adopted to alleviate confusion. : Most of these snakes that I have encountered in trade are called 'Corns' and (virtually) all of these are C.B. Whenever an importer (I'm in Canada) and/or wholesaler features wild-caught animals, they are usually listed as 'Red Rats'. : In addition, when I talk to family and friends living in Florida - they always use the term 'Red Ratsnake' to describe this species when they encounter it in the 'wild' (okay - their backyard! LOL). : Of course, the devision of how these names are applied may only be a product of my subconscience, and not as widely accepted as I believe. : I gotta see my therapist. : : Maybe a Rose IS a Rose after all (or so I keep telling myself - "Self : A Rose is a Rose" etc.)! : : - CornyGuy

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