by Charles Klein

Created on: June 30, 2008

The motley ghost corn snake or (Pantherophis guttatus guttatus) is a colubrid snake. A colubrid is a rear fanged snake. Other colubrid's include the Rat snaked and king snakes as well as the well known Cobra. Most colubrid's are non poisonous.The corn snake is a three to four foot long light bodied american snake. The corn feeds mostly on mice and baby rats as an adult. Wild Corns have a reddish coloration, but herp keepers or snake breeders have come up with some beautiful colored snakes by breeding unique color or designed snakes within the same or similar species.

Herp keepers have bred snakes that have (Anerythrism) a gene the snake carries to remove the color red in the skin. Removing the red leaves a pink or pastel pink color that is gorgeous. Since most common Corn snakes are reddish , having the main color lightened or removed has produced a unique looking corn snake.

(hypomelanism) is another gene snake keepers breed for. This gene reduces the black pigment in the snakes skin. While not completely removing it. This gene leaves a small trace of black pigment. When a snake with this gene is bred to a snake with a unique designed gene the outcome is a really unique snake.

One different design the Corn has, is called (motley) the saddles on the back of the snake is joined and there are no markings on the sides as well as the disappearance of any black on the belly. Most common Corns have separated back saddles.When a snake is motley the joined saddles look stretched or can make a Corn look like a totally different species.

The motley ghost corn snake is a blend of all three. Not every snake hatchling in the litter will come out a motley ghost. The motley ghost are also called pastel ghosts. The colors and looks have shades of pink , pastel gray and white. Motley ghost corns cost more than a normal Corn snake.It takes good knowledge and the right color and designed snakes to create a Motley ghost corn.

When people breed for different colors and designs in snakes it is called morphing or creating a morph. The Motley ghost is just one of many different and unique morph's. It is one of the more beautiful morph's. To care for a Motley ghost is relatively easy. Some knowledge should be obtained through reading and surfing the web to keep your Motley ghost happy and healthy.

Acquiring a Motley ghost is the hardest thing about it! Calling or searching the web can get you in touch with Corn snake breeders. A breeder or specialist is pretty much the way of getting a special morph. Most breeders can ship next day through fed ex or UPS. Before you get your Motley have the snakes enclosure set up. The less you do when the snake arrives the better. A new home can be stressful enough with the added stress of hanks coming and going!

You should buy at least a ten gallon tank. Some substrate or flooring for the snake to crawl on. Avoid Cedar it is poisonous to reptiles. Baby Motley ghost need a hiding spot and water bowl large enough to submerge their whole bodies, helps with shedding. Motley ghost are (arboreal) spending most of their time off the ground.So a nice branch or two would be beneficial. Corn's need special temperatures to survive and keep healthy. I recommend under the tank heat pads. That is all that is needed. Just add the Motley ghost and have pride in knowing you have a rare morph.

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