Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here's two pics of the eastern kingsnake I found in Richland County today. Very nice banded-phase. More white on this Eastern than any other I've ever seen in person. When I first saw him he was basking not far from a creek. He quickly tried to go under a stump but I grabbed him just in time for some pictures.

Also, a nice looking Southern/Northern Copperhead intergrade from Oconee County a couple nights ago. This guy was aggressive and struck at me as soon as I approached. His head was the same color as the recently fallen leaves around him.

Justin

This one isnt a herp, but I found it to be one of the most interesting insects I've ever seen. This huge preying mantis was crossing a highway in Oconee County so I decided to help him across. He did not like this and tried to buck up to me. He almost sparred like a boxer with his front legs. Cool critter! Had to fling him across the road with my snake hook to get him out of harms way. Can they bite people?

Angry Brown Water snake, Richland County. In a shed and musky!

Eastern Garter, also Oconee County.

Have fun,
Justin

Holy morphs Batman! That looks almost like a Northern Pine Snake. Unusual & gorgeous animals. Are there many L. getula there like that? AMAZING!

Matthew

That was the first one I've seen that looked like this. I saw one years ago DOR in Berkeley County that had a similar banding pattern, but it had much less white coloration. The sideview pic of this snake does look kinda like the pattern of a pine snake! Would love to find a pine snake too! Most of the kingsnakes I see in South Carolina are just normal jet black with thin white lines. From what I've seen and heard from others they tend to be more variable in pattern toward the coast. Maybe its some of the same genetics that produce the "Outer Banks" phase getula in North Carolina.

Justin

Hmm, looks like the "Outer Banks" ex-subspecies in Markel. I'd love to find one like that! It was a real looker..

Matthew

Way cool pattern on that king.
snake adventures