Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Which sub species is found in central NM or is this within the inter grade zone? A buddy of mine found a 6fter crossing the road. The pic wasn't a close up and from what I saw it could be either or. I know a little further west is all sayi which tend to have a more reddish hew on their saddles (atleast the ones I caught in White Sands NM as a kid were) but im unsure of which sub species would occur near Albuquerque.

Once I get permission from my friend I will most the pic.

BTW, wish me luck! I will be spending a week in southeastern AZ in 2 weeks and hope to find a few P.c.affinis in my travels

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy

I'm going on a long shot here but this may help. It is he best Range map I could find at the moment. I will keep my eyes peeled because I have seen AWESOME range maps (one is here on THIS forum. I had it bookmarked but lost it?). This only shows P.c. Affinis but you get the general idea. It may be a bit outdated and not even accurate. I know someone has that better range map on here. I may even search a but more and post it up... But dinners ready. Hope this helps,
Clay
Link

affinis replaces sayi in west texas so i'd think your friend found a sonoran gopher......

though I do believe the range map is incorrect or that the inter grade zone is prevalent out into southeastern NM. I spent several years catching sayi in and around the White Sands NM area as a child and the animals were very sayi in appearance. Much bulkier heads and bodies. The animals in question looked exactly like the photo shown of P.c.sayi in the Audubon Field Guide. Again, maybe this area is considered an inter grade zone but the animals showed alot of sayi influence if not sayi through and through.

I do agree though that the snake in question was affinis. I am still awaiting a response from my friend and will post the pic soon.

Thanks for helping me out guys.

Take care,

Jeremy

according to Degenhardt et al 1996 Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico:

Affinis is most widespread. Sayi occurs east of the Pecos River, and deserticola in the NW Corner

Forks
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