WC Central Illinois Black Rat- Red/Orange Belly!
Hello,
Tell me if this desription is interesting or not. I caught a 3.5-4 ft black rat snake crossing a country road. It has retained some of its juvenile pattern and has red/orange color in it. I know that these are not unknown or uncommon. What struck me about the snake was that fact that it is a docile as a captive raised corn, and the extreme amount of red it has. Let's see, The first 1/3 of the snake is the usual black and white, though it does have reddish skin starting behind the head. It also seems to have a white band down its entire length(skin)about half way up its sides. Keep in mind the scales are black.Now, about 1/3 of the way down the orange gets darker on its sides and starts in pale and patchy on its belly. The color gradually gets deeper as you go, until the last 1/3 of its belly has practically ALL of the white replaced by red/orange. It does have the standard black checkering. I think the depth of orange color goes all around the animal as by the time you get to the tail some of the scales are orange or have orange patches on them. The area above the vent to the tip of the tail(even though it is black) even has a ruddy cast about it. I'll get photos up as soon as I can borrow a scanner. Tell me what ya think. I am happy with him.(I think it is male, not probed though) Thanks.
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