Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I bought this milksnake last Saturday. It was labeled as a Pueblan, but I don't think that's what it is. I was thinking it looked more like a Honduran, and a couple of people even suggested it might be an Andean (though I doubt it, from what I've read of Andeans). In any case, I doubt it's a Pueblan because of the band counts and widths. I counted 22 red bands, 46 black and 25 white. As you can see from the pictures, there's a good deal of black tipping on the red and white scales.

Hmmm,......One thing it isn't, and that is either of the three you just mentioned, Pueblan, Honduran, or Andean, although it DOES closely resemble them. It actually looks to be an intergrade of two or more milksnakes. But it's very dificult to say as to exactly which ones. Several possible combinations of milk could result in one looking just like the one you have.

best regards, ~Doug

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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

I see polyzona in the tipping, band count and snout pattern.
It's true that many ssp make up what we call hondurensis today and it's impossible to say exactly what's in the 'commercial hondos' now.
It's not Campbelli though.
Jeff

That's very possible Jeff, it does have polyzona traits to it,......and as you said, it absolutely, unequivicably, undeniably, positively, most assuredly is NOT a Pueblan...LOL!!

~Doug

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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"

Thanks for the help you guys. Yeah, at least Campbelli is out of the way now.

I had thought it looked like Polyzona as well, but wasn't too sure and didn't bother to look up the band counts and what not for it. Also thought it looked somewhat similar to a Guatemalan, but yeah, I don't know. I guess it's just like you guys said, plenty of possibilities, with intergrades and all that.

You will know if it is as it grows it will lose all color and turn black. With the tipping and that head, wouldnt be surprised.

And Black Milks are beautiful snakes!

peace,
Wayne A. Harvey

I wouldn't mind that, haha. Quite a few possibilities here, but if it starts getting darker/black with its sheds, then yeah, gaigeae. We'll have to wait and see.

It could easily have some gaigeae "influence"(among other possibilities), and it could VERY well darken-up more(as do some others too), but unless it has 19 scale rows at mid-body, it's not a Black Milk either, just for the record.

best regards, ~Doug
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"Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open mouth and remove any doubt!"