Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got 2 kings off of C/L, I was told that are both are Cal king. but one looks off ti me.

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2 Gary-banded kings
1 bull snake
2 cal kings
1 long-nose
2 black rat-snakes
2 bearded gragons
4 boxers

There is a hypermelanistic "Whittier" morph of Cal. King in Brian Hubbs' new kingsnake book that looks very similar to that one. It could also be any combination of several types as well. Maybe from the Los Angeles area. But even as strange as it might look to some, it is probably all California King.

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

What does the belly look like?, can you post a couple good pics of it for us to see?

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

After thinking about it and researching a bit more, it most likely is a Longbeach-Newport phase. These are also hypermelanistic and are often called "mud" or "grease" kings because of the dark look they tend to have, as if they were rubbed with mud or grease. These are from the coastal Los Angeles area.

The snakes look like they could use a little more meat on their bones though, and could benefit from a good feeding schedule now that they are in your care. But don't over do it at first, ease them into with several moderate meals and see how that goes, you don't need regurge problems with your new acquisitions.

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

yes they both do.

I got them from a Retiring teacher. She said she last feed them 4 weeks ago.. just got back from the feed Store(tropical kingdom pet store) with feed for all. She was feed the small ones Pinkies.
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2 Gary-banded kings
1 bull snake
2 cal kings
1 long-nose
2 black rat-snakes
2 bearded gragons
4 boxers

Geeez!,....yeah, I agree, WAY too small!

I'm sure they will do better now.

good luck!

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

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2 Gary-banded kings
1 bull snake
2 cal kings
1 long-nose
2 black rat-snakes
2 bearded gragons
4 boxers

Thanks for those venter shots. I also saw all the replies on the "kingsnake" forum, and yes, there is always a possibility of them being a nigrita x splendida, as this also occures in the wild too, but I sort of doubt it, because they would "probably" tend to have a more complete banding pattern down the sides. Cal. kings are so darn variable depending on their locale, and can also have influence from several other subspecies as well, that without knowing exactly what genetic influence makes up their genotype, it can be virtually impossible to nail down with any certainty.

They can easily still be those "mud"morph/ "grease"morphs of the Longbeach-Newport form too, or a combination thereof. So many variables to consider, and any combinations of several localities can produce the phenotype(visual look) those display.

You really do need to see what "Kerby" thinks about them too, he has been working specifically with tons of western morphs and different localities for years.

Anyhow, enjoy those unique little guys!

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

It's definitely Cal King. Could be one of a few 'blackbelly' morphs. My guess is either Fresno or Delta.
I have found one blackbelly, although neither of those 2, but this locality is different from those.

It could be one of the odd local morphs of Cal King, but the head doesn't look like it to me. The head has a very splendida-like shape and pattern. Cal Kings usually have some yellow/white on the head or nape, splendida don't.

I've seen kings like that from southern AZ where Cal Kings, Mexican Black Kings and Desert Kings come together and intergrade.

I think without locality/breeding info, you are never going to be sure.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas