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In '04 I hatched out an f1 west alpine alterna that was heavily speckled had had a black head. That snake died as a neonate, and I always hoped to hatch another one like it. The adult pair has only produced a few "typical" hatchlings until this year. Here is one of two '09 offspring with black caps. I've seen it in specimens from 277, but are there any other western locales where "black heads" have popped up?

it's not common but it does pop up in western locals. That one is exceptional. You just got payed back for the other!
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Herp Conservation Unlimited
Conservation through captive propagation
Mexicana Group Directory
Photography by Joseph E. Forks

Thats really a nice one, Andrew. Congrats. I can't say that I've seen any black capped alterna west of Val Verde County. Hollister had a couple from Langtry and Doug Soderberg caught a couple from Seminole canyon but like you said most come from the Loma Alta area. Hope you keep these alive. Good luck. BA

Andrew,

Now that is pretty cool. You must have some 277 blood in their somewhere (sorry, I had to do it, just kidding of course). I have never seen a wild caught from west of Val Verde with a black head (that I can remember, my memory is getting bad though). Several of this year's Sandersons hatched with a lot of black on their heads (nothing like yours) which is unusual. You never know what you are going to get with captive breeding, that is why it is so cool.

Just send to me I will take care of it

BTW, that is nice and I assume a keeper.
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Herp Conservation Unlimited

If people really learn from their mistakes, I should be like the smartest guy in the world

It has been a good year for me as far as alterna go. I'll try to post better pics of the other locales I've hatched.

that's one sweet snake!
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Todd Hughes