Okay, I understand. Sorry about the confusion.

Though I'm not qualified to make a strong statement in this circumstance, I have noticed distinct differences, not only in terms of color or range, between captive M.f.testaceus and M.f.piceus. I have kept both subspecies and it seems there are many distinctions between the two; I have found Westerns to be more heavy bodied and with larger heads than Red coachwhips. Still, I can't say whether or not such distinctions warrant seperate subspecies. As for the other two subspecies of the Western coachwhip (M.f.cingulum and M.f.lineatulus), I cannot offer much - but it is completely possible these are just forms of the Red coachwhip. You have a completely validated point, I just wish I had the concrete evidence to make or break it.
-----
Roy Blodgett

Green Man Herpetoculture

royreptile@yahoo.com



1.1 Drymarchon corais

2.2 Pseustes sulphureus

1.1 Pseustes poecilonotus poecilonotus

1.1 Lystrophis pulcher

1.1 Lampropeltis getula californiae (desert phase)

1.1 Boiga dendrophila dendrophila

2.3 Pogona vitticeps (snow and red/gold)

1.0 Iguana iguana

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]