Posted by:
Terry Cox
at Sun Mar 20 08:45:55 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Terry Cox ]
>>Formerly Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta x
>>obsoleta quadrivittata
>>
>>Now pantherophis ????
>>
>>Thank you (Darn new books, changing the scientific names...)
>>
>>L
The North American "Elaphe" was changed to "Pantherophis" in 2002, by Utiger et. al. The reason behind this change was the fact that North American ratsnakes are not closely related to the Old World ratsnakes, which retain the "Elaphe" name. They are actually closer to other genera, such as Lampropeltis and Pituophis.
Whenever a taxonomic change is proposed, you can accept it or reject it. You don't have to use the name, Pantherophis. Many hobbyists still use the name, Elaphe, for their pets. A name change has to stand the test of time. It also takes time for the changes to make it into the literature, such as new books. The new genus, Pantherophis, however, has been well accepted, and many of us use the name now, including me.
Another proposal was made by Burbrink, et. al. They want to make three species of ratsnakes out of the old, Elaphe obsoleta group (see hotshot's links). This proposal has not been well accepted, although it is used by some professionals and hobbyists. I use the genus, Pantherophis, but retain the species, obsoletus, and all the old subspecies too. It is very confusing sometimes, especially when you consider this is happening in many different areas of herpetology. There's a taxonomic revolution going on (which is testing our sanity )
All this taxomomic stuff can be very confusing and cause us to take a stand. This can also cause arguments bt. hobbyists on these forums, something I don't like to do. In fact, these changes can influence how we word our posts. I mostly use common names when referring to ratsnakes these days, because I'm having a hard time getting my message across, and because I don't want to cause negative feelings with other hobbyists. I will often state my opinion on what the snake should be called, or give background info on what the snakes's status seems to be, but I will also try to use a common name we can all agree on.
In the case involving your new book, all I can say is, "Good luck." About the time you think you have the scientific name down to perfection, it will up and change on you, haha. I suggest you use both terms, in case the nomenclature changes again in the future.
I can only hope we come to agreement soon on how to treat the snakes in the "Corn Snake Group." It has long been a problem and point of contention, whether there is one or two or even three species in this group. It's possible there will be new literature coming out in the next year, or so, giving new evidence as to whether the Emory's Ratsnake is a separate species, or not. I would love to be able to have more confidence on what to call those snakes, as far as the scientific name goes.
Good luck to everyone struggling with this problem, and please have patience with those of us that are trying to sort things out.
Peace....TC
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Ratsnake Haven: Calico and hypo Chinese beauty snakes, Mandarin ratsnakes, Chinese twin-spotted ratsnakes, South Korean Dione's ratsnake, leopard snakes, Great Plains ratsnakes, and corn snakes 
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Struggling with the Latin names.... - Terry Cox, Sun Mar 20 08:45:55 2005
