Reptile & Amphibian Forums

On May 16 of this year my field partner Will Bird and myself had the good fortune of discovering the largest prairie kingsnake known to science here in Ky. It has been our goal to contribute in any way we could to the herpetology of our state. We are very pleased to announce that this new record snake has been authenticated and is now published in the latest edition of the Kansas Journal of Herpetology. Anyhow, thought maybe some of you calligaster fans might find this interesting.

Thanks to the Louisville Zoo staff and Dr Joseph Collins of the CNAH. Thanks also to the rural folks of Ky that allow a couple of scraggly snake hunters roam about on their properties! Phil

Phil, I just congratulated Will Bird a few minutes ago! I thought I would extend that to you as well. Great work. It's nice to see new data come through after all those hours spent working so hard.

Thanks Matt. It is very gratifying to be able to contribute something towards what is known about one of our favorite species. Phil

Congratulations. But man, you sure cut it close!

Thanks Mike. When it came down to it we thought there were two reasons to submit the record for publication. One was our goal to contribute whenever we could to herpetology in Ky. The other is we thought it significant that this snake came from the extreme eastern part of the range for the prairie king and in a completely different region than the previous record. Phil

Congrats, Phil and Will! That's the shot in the arm the calli's needed. UH-OH! CHALLANGE! I guess it's up to me again to bring that record back home! LOL! Congrats again, the both of you! (butiamgonnagooutandfindadamnbigprairiekingmumblemumble)! John, are you up for a road cruise tonight?
Todd Hughes
Sorry for the bad pic, 1 of only 2 calli's found, both dor, Refugio county, Texas

Feeding and cleaning....tomorrow night?
John

But it's raining! The baby Mex milks may be out! Yeah, tomorrow nite is good. Another shed and two pinks each for the Calhouns. I'm on double guard now. I'm trying to get 'em up to Tom's MBK female, LOL!
Todd Hughes

Thanks Todd. I'm all for anything that gives this underappreciated species its due! I wish you guys success! In addition to the record we have managed to find a number of specimens greater than 50"'s this year in the same area. Phil

Phil, that was STV right? I hope to put that big soboc to the test, as well! Happy herpin'!
Todd Hughes

Todd, that was total length. The terminal was intact. Looks like a whopper of a suboc. Let us know how it turns out. Phil

finding a Cabbage Ape. I'm still waiting for that one. Congrats Phil and Will! It's nice to see that the average field herper, with all the hard work and dedication you guys have given, can make contributions.

lol! Thanks Sean. Cabbage ape to be unveiled soon Phil

man thats cool phil!!!congrats,,,ive seen some im sure were close to 50inches here in tx. but never a 56 ! thats cool ya'll got it documented as well,,,,,,,,,thomas davis

Thanks Thomas. When we first found the snake we thought it could well be a record. It looked even bigger than it turned out to be. Phil

>>On May 16 of this year my field partner Will Bird and myself had the good fortune of discovering the largest prairie kingsnake known to science here in Ky. It has been our goal to contribute in any way we could to the herpetology of our state. We are very pleased to announce that this new record snake has been authenticated and is now published in the latest edition of the Kansas Journal of Herpetology. Anyhow, thought maybe some of you calligaster fans might find this interesting.
>>
>>Thanks to the Louisville Zoo staff and Dr Joseph Collins of the CNAH. Thanks also to the rural folks of Ky that allow a couple of scraggly snake hunters roam about on their properties! Phil
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Keith, I took pics the day of capture but the snake was slightly blue and the pics did not do the snake justice. Will took some pics post shed so once he resizes them I will ask if he can put some up. Phil

Very cool phil as you know calligaster are a favorite of mine as well. Its very cool to see this snakes in the spotlight. You and Will definitely deserve the recognition. Tho i'll have to see if I can top 56ins when flipping season rolls around here shortly :^)
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Scott Wahlberg

Thanks Scott. That second good time of the year is coming up here as well. We plan on getting out most of next week. Take some pics if you see any. I really like the looks of those Texas calligaster you find out there. We saw one last Monday and three the Sunday before that. Unfortunately all but one was in shed phase. Phil

That's the spirit, Scott! Tag team? Phil and Will, Enjoy the spotlight for now but prepare for the calligaster cup to be returned to Texas!!!LOL! Post pics, Will!
Todd Hughes

Sounds like a good idea to me. Texas vs kentucky, let me know if you come out this way and we'll put that plan into action!
-S
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Scott Wahlberg