>>The calico cow sucker and the lemon morph are both pure black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)
>>
>>Yes I still call them elaphe, the can breed with old world elaphe & "Orthriophis" and they should all still be called elaphe IMO.

I can understand wanting to hang on to Elaphe (I waver back and forth over the issue sometimes, myself). But - they (obsoleta and other New World Elaphe) can also breed with Pituophis and Lampropeltis species, and produce viable offspring.

Sorry, but it's just not a strong argument IMHO.


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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

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