Desert Kingsnake

diagnosis

Diagnosis: The Desert Kingsnake (L. splendida) is a medium- to large-bodied constrictor with an average adult size range of 90 – 114 cm and a maximum size of 152 cm (Conant & Collins 1998). Scales are smooth, anal plate single, with midbody scale rows typically numbering 23 – 25 (Blaney 1977). Ventral scales number 199 – 227 in males and 203 – 237 in females, while subcaudals range from 45 – 62 in males and 40 – 52 in females (Blaney 1977). The Desert Kingsnake can be distinguished from related species primarily on the basis of color pattern. The pattern of the Desert Kingsnake is characterized by a black or dark brown ground color with heavy yellow lateral and dorsolateral stippling. The remnant crossbands formed by this stippling yield a row of black or brown dorsal blotches or saddles, numbering 42 – 97. The head is typically black or dark brown, and the onset of the yellow dorsal patterning sometimes gives the appearance of a collar (Fig. 3; Blanchard 1921; Blaney 1977; Conant & Collins 1998). The Desert Kingsnake inhabits the Chihuahuan desert east of the Cochise Filter Barrier, from western Texas to extreme southeastern Arizona, north from central New Mexico in the Rio Grande

Systematics of the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula; Serpentes: Colubridae) and the burden of heritage in taxonomy

etymology

Etymology: Specific epithet refers to the ‘ splendid’ visage of the dorsal coloration. Synonymy: This species is essentially co-terminous with the formerly recognized subspecies L. g. splendida.

Systematics of the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula; Serpentes: Colubridae) and the burden of heritage in taxonomy