I posted more photos, but must apologize for my housemate. He disregarded my *specific* instructions to focus and hold the camera steady. So instead I got maybe 4 somewhat useful photos and had to trash over 12. I don't know why some people can't be attentive.



Here is a link to mutant “Orange” milk snakes that are campbelli & nelsoni cross:

http://www.reptilesbymack.com/Orange-milk-snake.aspx



Mine does not look anything like these. The most salient clues in guessing my species are:



Small size

Dark, rich, red blood color is not dark orange in sunshine, it becomes venetian red

“tiger stripe” lines on jaw, on the right side one angles backwards looking like a slit throat

Pale bands are very thin, usually only two scales thick (not wide like a Pueblan)

Pale bands are tangerine orange only at neck & tail, elsewhere they are golden tan

Black bands are 2-3 times wider than pale bands

Red bands are about 2 times wider than combination of pale & black bands

19 total pale bands

15 total red bands

Head & snout are not pointed, they are blunt like a bullet and forehead is duller than rest of head



The other Milk snake species he resembles are Blanchard’s (not as bright & orange) and Atlantic Central American (not quite so dark tipped, and smaller body size).



All the evidence suggests a Mexican Milk. If he is a cross, he is likely a Mexican x Nelson’s mix, but I highly doubt it. After seeing more (bad) photos, what is your latest guess?
Link

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