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.

[ Hide Replies ]

• Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - s_adams, Thu Aug 11 20:00:39 2011
• RE: Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - pyromaniac, Thu Aug 11 21:02:57 2011
• RE: Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - s_adams, Thu Aug 11 21:46:16 2011
• RE: Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - Joeycoco98, Thu Aug 11 23:36:10 2011
• RE: Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - s_adams, Fri Aug 12 17:33:11 2011
• RE: Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - pyromaniac, Fri Aug 12 20:09:29 2011
• RE: Older Mexican Black Kingsnake on back? - FR, Sat Aug 13 10:26:29 2011