Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read many articles claiming that the coloration of mtn kingsnakes is a result of mimicry to coral snakes. I have some questions for anyone that might have some knowledge on the subject.

In evolutionary history, did coral snakes come first before mountain kings?

Does anyone know if animals (namely mammals and birds) that would otherwise eat a snake are reluctant to try a mountain kingsnake? And can someone explain why it is called mimicry instead of a convergent evolution of color for these snakes?

The current line of thinking amoung bilogists (MOST that is)
is that this is not mimacry. Brightly colored bands are a form of protection that serves to "shock" a potential predator.
Many snake have them, venomous and non-ven alike.

Most predators are going to see a snake from above.
When a tri-coloor moves, it looks very confusing. Like different animals moving in different directions.

It can be very confusing to look a tri-color king OR coral snake that is moving from above and figure out what the hell it is...much less where the head is. Instictually, predeators want to grab the head, to lessen the risk of being bitten. This extra second or 2 of confusion may be enough for the snake to make a get away.

We'll never know for sure of course...but...we don't think that coral snakes ever lived in zonata range...especially northern zonata range. The mimacry idea just really doesn't hold up.

I'm glad others question the mimicry idea too. Just sounds a bit far-fetched.

I think I've read that birds of prey see color. It makes sense that the pattern of a mtn king would have the effect of breaking up the outline of the snake when seen from above, especially with the different colors.

And yet Zonata are turning out too be very closely related to the Scarlet King and if there dispersal pattern is found too have been east too west? Then the possibillity of mimicry does exist. I am not a proponant of mimicry though as it doesnt make any sense.