Motley 2017

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Motley (no aka)
Most Commonly Used Name: Motley
Mode of Genetic Inheritance: Recessive
Morph Type: Single Recessive Mutation
Eye Color: Black pupil & body ground colored iris
 

The first description of this corn snake pattern mutation was published by the late Dr. H. Bernard Bechtel in the 1980s.  His breeding trials demonstrated the heritability of this mutation to be simple recessive.  The distinguishing feature of those is belly checkering.  Good Motleys have an orderly and contiguous pattern of spots down the dorsum that represent spaces in what appears to be a continuous, wide stripe of color running from the neck tail-ward.  The size, shape, location, organization, and number of circular pattern interruptions on the back define the grade of individuals, but until recently, the one pattern distinction we could rely upon was that of having no checkers on their belly.  Lately, we’re seeing Motleys with some black checkering, but it’s random and sparse.  I suspect that one day we’ll see Motleys with quite a bit of belly checkering.  In fact, certain genetic compounds of Motley have somewhat reliable belly markings (i.e. Sunglow Motley and Lavender Motley).

 

What to expect:
Thankfully, there is little change (if any) in the markings from hatchling to adult, but one characteristic impossible not to notice is that of diffusion of pattern and color throughout maturity.  This essentially does change the pattern appearance, and it certainly does have interesting impacts on color compounds of Motley.  Not unlike the “Diffused” mutation (aka: Bloodred) that diffuses color and pattern, Motleys virtually always enhance any other color or pattern mutation with which they have genetic union.  Do not expect contiguous and orderly dorsal patterning, as Motleys with the best patterns are still in a minority in this morph.  BTW, they are rare, but some non-mutant corns have dorsal pattern that is very similar to Motleys, but still a dependable distinguishing feature is the belly.  If a Motley-looking corn has a busily checkered belly, it should not be a Motley mutant.