Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i just responded to an ad selling a mexican king.the seller said he didn't know the scienific name but it was close to nigrita.is this a sub species? i can't find out anything about a mexican king.the pix is not real clear,but appears to be a natural intergrade between splendida and nigrita.what say ye?

Mexican Black Kingsnake = Nigrita

Nigrita is the scientific name I think
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0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake (Elysia)

Technically speaking the Mexican Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Mexicana) and the Mexican Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Getula Nigrita) are totally diferent species.The Mexican Black King is a subspecies of the common kingsnake, lampropeltis getula. Mexican kingsnakes are a species unto themselves.
There is a lot of confusion in the scientific and herping communities about Mexican Kingsnakes. Many think that the Grey-Banded Kingsnake, Ruthven's Kingsnake, and even the Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake are closely related to Mexican Kingsnakes. Here is the current accepted breakdown as far as I know:

There are three subspecies of Mexican Kingsnake

- Lampropeltis Mexicana Mexicana - aka "Mex Mex" or "San Luis Potosi" kingsnake. Usually dark grey with red saddles.

-Lampropeltis Mexicana Greeri- aka "Durango Mtn." or "Greer's" kingsnake. usually light grey/green with red saddles.

-Lampropeltis Mexicana Theyeri- aka "Variable" "Thayer's" or "Nuevo Leon" kingsnake. These come in 3 different phases. The Black or melanistic phase looks alot like a Mexican Black Kingsnake. The Milksnake phase is tri-colored, and has complete bands like a milksnake. The Leonis phase has narrow saddles or bands.

All of these sub-species intergrade naturally and many have been cross-bred in captivity. If you want a "pure" snake, you should research exactly what sub-species/morph you want, and then research reputable breeders. If you just want a pretty snake, get what you want.
mexican kingsnakes

thanks for clearing the air.the snake that was posted must have been an intergrade.have fun!