Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was looking in the western field guide and it said that there are no splendida in southern AZ. Is this a mistake or are the splendida looking kings I have found below Tucson an intergrade of some sort?They certainly look like splendida to me. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

You might want to pose this question in the King Snake section of the forum. There's been a lot of talk on this topic in there. I live in Cleveland, and don't feel qualified enough to answer your question. But there are some AZ locals who regularly post and have insight on this matter.

Tim

Southeast Arizona is thought to have 3 different subspecies of kingsnake converging in the same area: splendida, californiae, and nigritis. Depending on the exact spot you're in, you can definitely find all three down there. Some of the most famous herping spots seem to have kings that are integrades... particularly between nigritis and splendida. Many people theorize that these "integrades" are actually a dark phase of splendida. I have a friend who bred two kings from the area that appeared to be integrades (completely black on the top with hints of splendida banding on the sides) and all the babies look to be pure splendida with bright and complete speckled bands.

So, to answer your question, splendida are definitely found in the area. depending on the locale, they maybe pure splendida, an integrade, or a dark color phase.

I hope this helps.

John

Thanks to all the responses. You all have been very helpful.

Check out www.reptilesofaz.com. I think it lists Southeastern Az as being in the range of splendida.

reako45