I have kept several kingsnakes, of four subspecies. I have noted the difference between behavior, and of color & pattern differences.



I've noticed, however, that Florida kingsnakes have a very tapered snout, with lips of matching lengths. I don't recall whether they have a prehensile tail tip "hook" or not. California kingsnakes have a broad, thick head, with an almost menacing look, with a slightly longer upper lip, with no prehensile tail "hook". (They seem to flop their tails down less gracefully when climbing down from branches, too.) Desert kingsnakes have a slightly more narrow face, with a slightly longer upper lip, but with a very prominent tail tip "hook". (Mine is an expert climber - as much so as most Ratsnakes.)



Have any of you also noted such subtle differences?



Do some subspecies tend to have a more prehensile tail than others?



Desert Don

Vancouver, WA

 

1.0 Pantherophis obsoleta obsoleta

1.0 Lampropeltis getula splendida

1.0 Terrapene carolina carolina

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