All North American ratsnakes previously belonged to this genus, but two new genera have recently been formed for the southwest species. The SSAR recognizes four distinct species of Elaphe , and a total of ten different races. Elaphe bairdi , Baird's Ratsnake Formerly a subspecies of Elaphe obsoleta , Baird's ratsnake is now considered a distinct species. This handsome serpent is found in southern Texas and adjacent northern Mexico. The juvenile coloration consists of numerous dark crossbars on a silvery-gray background.
Adults are indistinctly striped and show beautiful highlights of red, gold, or salmon pink.
The corn snake is available in more color morphs and pattern variations than any other snake currently being maintained in captivity. Describing each of these morphs would require another article in itself. Two subspecies are currently recognized. This subspecies occurs in the Midwestern United States and is similar in appearance to the nominate race. It is generally a gray snake with reddish brown saddles.