Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey folks. We've had this King about 3 months, got from a friend who had since hatching (two years old). Always assumed it was a Speckled but now wondering if it's an Eastern Black.
Captive born from eggs found in the wild, north Alabama USA.
VERY docile.

Thanks in advance.

w

Blacks and speckleds have a pretty broad intergrade zone. I am not sure you easily assign it to one or the other. Someone more up to date on getula taxonomy should respond to this thread. Nice animal!

Thanks. He (not really sure of sex) is a great pet. Likes to hang out on the couch in a sock.

w

Snakes from Northern Alabama are considered Eastern Black Kingsnakes (L.g.nigra), at least based on the traditional taxonomy of L. getula.

Here's a range map of the older taxonomy -

-----
Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas