I would consider that snake to most likely be an intergrade nigra x holbrooki though I think it is more holbrooki like in appearence. Based on the pic the belly appears to be predominately yellow with relatively few black markings and on the dorum there are many speckles between the cross bands. These are both traits of holbrooki. As is usually the case intergradient populations off show characteristics of either phenotype to a greater or lesser degree. According to Philip Smiths Illinois herp book the kings in southwestern Illinois are intergrades. In any case that is one good looking kingsnake! Any chance of allowing us to put pics of that snake in our image gallery? Thanks,Phil
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