Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have mostly ratsnakes, a couple of garters, and one kingsnake.
My king is a little brooksi that a breeder friend gave me since he was not eating and destined for the freezer. I eventually got him to eat, starting with pinky heads. He eats every time now, 2 pinks if I will offer them.

My question is: What species of King is the brooksi? Or...what is the common name? I know what all my ratsnakes and garters are, I would like to know what my brooksi is...other than a brooksi. My Peterson guide lists the speckled as L.g.holbrooki, but the pattern looks more like an eastern. Is this simply an eastern subspecies? Thanks. Duffy

The Brooks king-is the common name for what is now being called the "yellow phase" of the Florida Kingsnake. L.g.floridana. Juveniles allways show to some extent; a barred patern which fades and becomes more obscure with age.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

... n/p

L.g.floridana. They used to be L.g.brooksi, but that's not considered valid any longer. At any rate, they are from Florida, and aren't at all holbrooki.

>>My question is: What species of King is the brooksi? Or...what is the common name? >>

The common name was South Florida King. The scientific community no longer recognizes it as a subspecies. Hobbyists often erroneously refer to any light Florida King from other areas (or from breeding crosses) as a brooksi but they should probably simply be called "yellow phase". The term was sunk not expanded.

I have become fairly familiar with the North American Ratsnakes over the past several years, but never really sought much information on the kings. I appreciate the insights. Duffy