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I have had a pair of normal amel corns for five years. Both adults and their numerous offspring have had the typical checkerboard patterning on their bellies: transluscent/opaque in nature.

Last year I acquired a striped amel hatchling at a herp show--was told it was pure elaphe guttata. Now a year old, it has a pure white underside--no checkerboard or pattern--just solid white. So, my question is: does this white underbelly go along with the breeding for striping, or is there some other elaphe in the mix?

Either way she's a very pretty pet snake--I shy away from breeding her because of my doubts as to her genetics.

Any and all responses are appreciated--thank you for reading this post.

regards,
althea

Yes, the lack of the typical checkerboard pattern found on "normal" corns is expected for striped, motley, and striped motley corns. They do tend to develop a coloration consistant with the ground color of the dorsal side, which looks as though it has been lightly "sprayed" on the belly from the tail upward as they mature, but the checkerboarding never appears.

Good luck with your new acquisition!
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Darin Chappell
Hillbilly Herps
PO Box 254
Rogersville, MO 65742