You are correct -- thank you for pointing that out. I was in "concern panic mode" and confused the species.

As an update I've found a few people with experience with the so-called "desert kingsnake" and its playing dead routine -- which sounds like what I observed in my black king.

This seems to indicate that he is actually a desert black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula splendida) rather than a Mexican Black, as I had been informed when I took him in. What's strange is that I can't find any direct references (other than mentions in passing) to desert black kings in captivity. Am I the first person to observe & report the "playing dead" or is this just something that isn't mentioned much?

I'm keeping an eye on him -- but no signs of any other health concerns whatsoever. I've downgraded concern level slightly and will keep a vet visit on standby (I'll be collecting stool samples when he goes next). He's in quarantine for now.

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