hybrid question

[rBitz]

this is kind of a silly question but, i read once that the bottom of hybrid (ex normal x emoryi) corns come in checks of two on top of each other while full corns can come in columns of three. kind of an off-topic question but just wondering since i happen to own a hybrid "root beer" corn.

[vanderkm]

The pattern of belly checkers is one of the features that has been used to distinguish between emoryi (great plains ratsnakes) and corns - with chains of 3 dark checkers in a row being common on corns and uncommon on emoryi - where the dark checkers tend to be in pairs or single - less common in chains of 3 or more. It is not a completely reliable finding, just one feature that can distinguish between the species. Other things like body size and shape, saddle shape and number as well as color all help distinguish the species.

With rootbeers and creamsicles the features tend to depend upon how much emoryi is present in the genetic makeup of the individual. They can vary from being close to 50/50 to being almost pure corn - just some creamsicle in the background somewhere. So all the features of both parent lines will be present to a varying degree in the hybrids. Sorry that isn't more specific, but it really isn't possible to predict.


mary v.