"ruthveni" is considered it's own species(Lampropeltis ruthveni) nevermind subspecies. And elapsoides DEFINITELY is a true milksnake no matter HOW you slice it. Like I stated before in the previous post, there are 25 true milksnake subspecies, and 26 if you consider the problematic lineage of temporalis. This snake is thought to be a triangulum x elapsoides intergrade as most know, that has kept perpetuating within it's own kind to make a unique lineage of animal. And again, they are certainly largely accepted as such by many as their own little race of milksnake. But as far as officially being accepted taxonomically as a definite subspecies, that will certainly be debated for some time to come.

Like I said earlier, they will always be temporalis to me too. So if they make milksnake number 26, then so be it, I certainly don't have a problem with it, and don't think the vast majority of breeders/hobbyists do either. Either way anyone cuts it, temporalis is DEFINITELY a unique animal in it's own right.


best regards, ~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

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