Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I originally though he was a Durango Mountain king But I have since seen several other snakes with different names that look the same.One was a Thayeri(SP) the other a Mex Mex. Are they all the same snake?

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Yes, Durango Mtn. Kings, Thayeri, and Mex-Mex are all the same snake. They used to be considered different sub-species, but are now considered just different color phases of lampropeltis mexicana, the Mexican Kingsnake. Yours definitly looks like the Durango Mtn. King phase to me.

so if I decide to breed i can breed to any of these types of snakes? and will they be considered hybrids?
thanks
Robin

your snake is going to shedd

I know ,But thanks.

Technically speaking, you could breed yours to a thayeri or mex-mex and it wouldn't be considered a hybrid, but it would be a less than desirable "mutt" to many people. Even though these three snakes are the same species, the color phases are very distinct, and they come from different parts of Mexico. People strive to keep them pure. Why foul it up? Get another Durango.

I want to get another of what he is but depending on who looks at the pictures you get different opinions on what he is.I posted this same thread in the "What Kind" forum and was told its a Thayeri(SP) So yes I agree each species should be kept pure.I am finding it difficult to be sure of exactly which he is.Is there any for sure marking that says Thayeri or Durango??
Robin

I don't like to consider myself an expert on anything, but it is safe to say that you have a Durango Mtn. King. The gray background color, red-saddles, black head pattern, etc. are diagnostic of a Durango. There are definitely mex-mex and thayeri that look similar, but yours is a Durango. There are plenty of photos of all three types on the Internet. If you look carefully at the photos you see online, I think you will agree with my ID.
applegate durango page

I have been there and it was his pictures that made me think from the beginning that it was a Durango but then after looking around and seeing pictures of snakes that looked almost identical I starting wondering if I was right.I admit I know little about the different types. I did not want to get a mate before I knew for sure what type of snake I had and if it was male or female which I still don't know. I think he/she is still to young to sex.I also had emailed him to find out prices so when I am ready that is exactly where I will buy it from.Thank you sooo much for all of your help.I never realized there were so many soo similar types of Mountain kings.
Robin