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This is a specific care sheet for Great Plains Rat Snakes, a subspecies titled (Elaphe guttata emoryi). For more of this species see Category:E. guttata.

Great Plains Rat Snake care sheet
Elaphe guttata emoryi

An adult Great Plains Rat Snake

An adult Great Plains Rat Snake

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Class: Reptilia

Subclass: Diapsida

Order: Squamata

Suborder: Serpentes

Family: Colubridae

Subfamily: Colubrinae

Genus: Elaphe

Species: E. guttata

Subspecies: E. g. emoryi

The Great Plains Rat Snake or Emory’s Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata emoryi) is found in the United States from Nebraska to Texas, and into northern Mexico.

Pet Reptile (Elaphe guttata emoryi) Care Information

Regions Found: United States from Nebraska to Texas
Natural habitat: Terrestrial
Longevity: 15–20 years
Years to Maturity: 2 years
Adult Size: 3.9–5.9 feet (1.2–1.8 m)
Temperament: Generally very tame, docile and reluctant to bite
Housing, Feeding and Climate of Elaphe guttata emoryi
Housing Size: At minimum the total length of the snake should be accomodated by the width and depth of the vivarium
Reptile Foods: Rats, mice and chicks up to 1.5x the girth of the corn snake
Temperature: A thermal gradient should be provided from around 21-31 °C (70-88 °F)
Humidity: Low, any higher than 40% could increase chances of infection
Reptile Lighting: Corn snakes do not need UV light, however a day/night schedule should be adopted
Special Requirements: None
Breeding Elaphe guttata emoryi
Breeding Difficulty: Easy
Elaphe guttata emoryi
Clutch Size:
Typically 8-16 eggs, upwards of 25
Gestation Period: 30-45 days
Incubation Temperature: 25-27 °C (78-80 °F)
Incubation Humidity: High,
Incubation Period: 55-65 days
Health
Mites, respiratory infections and poor shedding
Recommended Pet Supplies for Elaphe guttata emoryi
  • Reptile cage (suitable vivarium or aquarium)
  • Reptile heat lamp, UTH, UVB lamp or recommended heating/lighting source
  • Reptile thermometer and thermostat to regulate temperature
  • Water source
  • Reptile accessories and cage decorations
  • Reptile cleaning equipment
  • Reptile food

nb. All of these can be purchased from an online pet store

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