In light of the consideration of an imminent change to zonata nomenclature as we have known them over the past half-century (R. Zweifel, 1955), whereby multicincta, zonata zonata, multifasciata, and the two recognized natural intergrades of the north between zonata zonata/multicincta and zonata zonata/multifasciata are under strong consideration for being lumped together as a "northern clade", and that pulchra, parvirubra, and agalma (both Juarez and Martir pending further Martir status) will be lumped into a "southern clade" classification. This will then render all mountain kingsnakes, with the exception of herrerae, into simply Lampropeltis zonata of the northern/southern clade populations. Granted, and my question is, since the state of California has no limit on how many "agalma" one can have since they are indigenous to Mexico, will there now be a limitation on them given their inclusion into the "southern clade" form??



Although I'm pin-pointing Rick, who is a pioneer with zonata and has had an impact in this area as a result of research, I am also inquiring with others in the general community for their thoughts/opinions (professional or not) on this profound change within Lampropeltis. Thanks!


















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Jerry Kruse





And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."

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