Posted by:
Aaron
at Wed Jun 1 14:29:16 2011 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Aaron ]
I keep average looking locality specific kingsnakes. I like to research a particular species/subspecies to get a knowledge of their range of appearances at particular localities or regions and then duplicate them, as close as possible, in captivity.
Some localities tend to contain a high percentage of very good looking specimens, some contain mostly average to below average looking specimens and some contain a wide range of appearances.
I usually want the snakes I have to look like something that could have been found in the wild. Since there is such wide variation between and within localities there are plenty of options available that allow one to have and produce outstanding looking specimens while still being true to the average, or commonly seen, look of a particular locality.
To answer your question regarding average looking snakes from average looking localities. My Langtry graybands would qualify. I like all graybands and I keep a broad representation of the most of the main regions. From the east, Hwy. 277 for light Blair's and alterna with simple patterns and Langtry for medium Blair's with average orange. From the middle, Sanderson for highly variable yet simple, light and dark Blair's and alterna. From the west Davis Mountains for busy, speckled alterna with that unique brownish gray backround. I also keep Black Gaps. They are kinda from the middle of the US range but they have a more western feel to them and they are probably the most variable of all US localities. Plus they have hypo, anery and patternless specimens and I think it's interesting and amazing that all those mutations popped up at one locality.
I still need to get representations of the far southwest and far northwest parts of the range. Hopefully I can catch some River Rd. and Hueco Mtns. specimens someday, if the law regarding road collecting ever changes.
So I don't strictly keep average looking snakes just for the sake of their averageness but if it's a species/subspecies I like I do try to incorporate that look into my collection.
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www.hcu-tx.org/
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I do. - Aaron, Wed Jun 1 14:29:16 2011