>>in temperments between the different emories? And if so, would you notice a difference in temperments between any creamsicles that were made from cornsnake X slowinski, or cornsnake X meal......(can't spell that one).
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Yes, I think there is a difference in temperments, depending on individual specimans, which subspecies, w/c or cb, etc. If you compared an intermontana to a meahllmorum you should see some behavior differences, not just because meahllmorum is fiestier, but also because meahllmorum is more secretive, has a longer active cycle, is more nocturnal, etc. I haven't kept slowinskii, but I would imagine there are some slight differences. These are considered a different species by many (see Dixon and Werler). I think they are quite close to meahllmorum, however. The Emory's rat would be comparable to the intermontana, depending on where they came from, how far north.

As far as recognizing which subspecies is in your creamsicle or cinnamon by the way they act, I think this would be a hard task. I haven't kept that many creamsicles or cinnamons and the ones I've had were quite awhile back. I do think you can gestalt the snake, however, look at everything at once. When you look at size, color/pattern, scalation, behavior, body and head shape, etc, along with temperment, you might have some idea. Most creamsicles are more corn than Emory, so it depends also on the mix.

Also, you might want to consider clutch size, something we haven't mentioned, yet. I think it's interesting that creamsicles have smaller clutches than guttatus, emoryi have smaller clutches, in general, than creamsicles. Meahllmorum, on the other hand, have medium sized clutches, usually around 10-12 from what I've heard. Emoryi have around 6-7 as pretty normal clutches. Egg size too is a difference. I think this is an area that hasn't been studied much. For all the arguing bt the various taxonomists and hobbyists, very few have kept and experimented with specimens from areas where intergradation should be taking place.

Excellent question which should raise more questions and spur some folks into activity who are very interested in these snakes. Thanks...TC

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