Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Now that CNAH says: (link at bottom of this post)

"CNAH Notes on the taxonomy in Pyron & Burbrink (2009):

1. The Short-tailed Snake, Stilosoma extenuatum, is placed in the genus Lampropeltis (as L. extenuata); it is most closely related to the L. getula complex and a possible standard common name is Short-tailed Kingsnake."

Will that generate interest in captive breeding a new species of kingsnake? Are there any presently in captivity? With the species currently in "threatened" status in Florida, does that preclude introduction of the species into captive breeding stock? How will this affect kingsnake breeders?

(that same CNAH note, btw, takes the scarlet kingsnake out of triangulum and elevates it to its own kingsnake species--again?)

"2. The Scarlet Kingsnake, previously considered by many herpetologists to be a race of Lampropeltis triangulum, is recognized as a distinct species, Lampropeltis elapsoides, and retains the standard common name Scarlet Kingsnake."

PDA of CNAH article

Thats very interesting Terry. It sure doesn't fit in our eyes of what a "kingsnake" is. Even beyond what a scarlet would be in captivity.I doubt you will see anybody working with the new kingsnake anytime soon.LOL......

L8r Shannon

That they be included in Lampropeltis.

As far as being pets, they are very small in size and are only known to eat crowned snakes in the wild, though this may be because crowned snakes are the most abundant tiny snake in sand hill habitats in FL. I've found several in the wild, and I don't believe their Florida State protected status is going to do them any good.

I know a guy that kept one on ringneck snakes, so I imagine they'd take brown snakes, red belly snakes, earth snakes, etc... Maybe even small skinks and glass lizards.

There is no where legal to collect them, though I'm sure if somewhere were motivated they could acquire some of these.