Terry,

As a scientist, I agree on the part that a lot more work needs to be done before we can draw any drastic conclusions. Taking just one (presumably apomorphic) species of Pituophis into the equation just doesn't quite cut it. The position of (presumably plesiomorphic) species like Pituophis deppei or P. lineaticollis is missing in Burbrink's work, which I think is a bloody shame. More characters (genetic, morphometrical) need to be examined, more species need to be involved. As a hobbyist, I have kept many Corn Snakes, a few Fox Snakes, and lots of Pine, Bull and Gopher Snakes. I actually believe Fox Snakes are quite different from Corn Snakes, and remarkably similar to Gopher Snakes. But that's just my personal opinion, which is just as good as anyone else's, scientist or hobbyist alike.

I like discussing this kind of material with guys like you Terry. We should do this more often.

Best regards,

Herman Bronsgeest.

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