Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone please tell me if there is a difference between a "Louisiana Black Pine Snake" and a "Black Pine Snake"? Is there a distinct difference between the two or are they both all the same ? Thank you!

There really is no such thing as a "Louisiana Black pine snake". The black pine snakes range originally extended into La's Washington Parish in the eastern part of that state. It is now thought that these snakes no longer occur in La and have been extirpated. Aside from this black pine snakes do still exist in southwestern Al and south Miss.

Is it possible that the description you are referring to is a hybrid between an La pine and a black pine? It would be a pity if such a thing existed IMO.

Phil

What would be the physical differences between a Black Pine and a Louisiana/Black Pine hybrid? Thank you appreciate your response.

A hybrid would have intermediate characteristics between a black pine snake and a louisiana pine snake. As an adult in particular I would expect a hybrid of these snakes to be dark but with a fair amount of patterning. Hatchling black pines will generally have some patterning to a greater or lesser extent. As they grow the pattern becomes muted as the snake becomes darker with each shed.

My recommendation is that if you are in doubt pass on a potential hybrid and acquire your stock from a reputable breeder that can provide you with snakes of known origin.

Phil

Thank you for your reply! I can't say that there are any intermediate characteristics on these. Pretty well jet black, one has a SLIGHTLY lighter area on the tail area and the other is JET black with the exception of a gorgeous white chin.I have had them for a year now and hope they will be breeding next season. On a side note I have a pair of patternless pines that bred this year and I got 8 babies.2 patterned and 6 patternless and they are eating machines and really awesome. I really like the pits and wish I would have gotten into them earlier. Thanks again!