They (as per usual) are right on.

There is some recent work out that indicates that Scarlet Kings (Lampropeltis elapsoides) isn't very closely related to the "rest" of the milksnakes, and is more closely related to L. zonata, etc. The evidence for this is both biochemical (i.e. DNA) and morphological, lending it even more credence than the majority of Lampropeltine systematic work that's been published lately. In short, the way it looks, Scarlet Kings should be elevated to species status (as L. elapsoides). This would make them no longer the smallest form of L. triangulum, a title which would go to one of the western forms (gentilis, multistrata, tayloir, or celaenops). This is an interesting time to be an Lampropeltis enthusiast - lots of cool, new info coming out.

Lampropeltis triangulum multistrata - Pennington County, South Dakota (spotted)





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-Cole

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