Most "splendies" show that darkening with age in my obs. Looks like you could narrow it down effectively as per Joe's suggestions. The Aransas wildlife Refuge is part of the eastern border of splendida, but both specks and desert are found there. Maybe it is one snake in the area showing several colors/patterns? All I know is the closer I get to nailing 'em down, the further I get, LOL! Nice yellows and I would guess more holbrooki less splendida despite the circle patterns on the dorsum. Checkered bellies tend toward holbrooki. Check out Joe's black belly posted above. Never see a live adult any more, just neo's and yearlings. Splendidas are more secretive in my opinion, but that is all it is. They live in the dunes around here, but can also be found in undisturbed areas with a.c. The only live adult I found was unearthed under a railroad tie. @ dor's on the crawl, one in spring, one in fall. Just looks more splendy to me. One of the coastal areas above Calhoun co. would be my guess.
Todd Hughes
Todd Hughes

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