An adult wild-type corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was scanned with our high-resolution scanning system.
We study non-classical ‘exotic’ mammalian and reptilian model species. Multiple so-called ‘morphs’ of the corn snake have been selected for their peculiar colours or patterns. The 3D model shows an individual of the wild-type morph characterised by its dark-orange motifs with a black outline (dorsal saddles and lateral blotches), as well as a checkerboard of black-and-white belly scales. We study 16 different morphs and aim to identify the corresponding causal mutations.
Check our Summary Video How the snake got its scales.
Our publications on corn snakes are compiled here.