Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thought I'd bore ya w/ a couple pics of this big boy. He still seems to be growing at a decent clip. Could reach 5' this summer.

nm

I particularly like the mostly black belly.

That is a really cool animal. Very cool indeed.
Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com
twitter.com/TomsSnakes

I'm curious about behavior similarities or differences between Kingsnake subspecies. I've had 4 species of Kings before, but have no long-term experience with Desert Kings. (Personally, I've found MAJOR differences between most Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. The latter seem to be much more skittish & secretive.)

1. Have you any Cal Kings as a standard of comparison?
2. Are Desert Kings as confident & active as Cal Kings, or different?
3. What is their typical stalking style? (Ambush? Slowly creep & grasp? Dash & strike fiercely?
4. Gender differences apparent in behavior? (My male is much more mellow in stalking and striking prey; my female is MUCH more eager & fierce.)

If you have had several snakes, or know of close contacts who have, your comments may be helpful. Thanks for your time & consideration!

Ameron
Portland/Vancouver

1.0 Lampropeltis getula californiae (Carlsbad Wide-banded)
0.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (Los Angeles County Coastal Banded)

I've raised both desert and cali's up from hatchlings. Not a whole lot of difference that I've seen. Tendency to be a little spastic at first, some voiding for awhile, but eventually they become very tame, usually before one or two. Of couse theres always gonna be some variation in individuals.