Websters online Dictionary-



Species represent the lowest and most important of the primary groupings used in classifying plants, animals, and microorganisms. While no single definition applies to all organisms, biologists rely principally on (1) morphological and genetic similarities and (2), for sexually reproducing organisms, the capability of interbreeding with one another but not other groups. If different species do interbreed, the offspring, if any, are often sterile. Biologists give species unique, binomial names: a generic name that includes closely related species, and a species-specific name.



According to this definition Floridas and Eastern kings are the same species. That's why they are intergrades of subspecies. I have always looked at all the common Kings as the same species. I am not just basing my comment on this thread. I am basing it on all the snakes I have encountered in my life. I have never come across any Hybrid in the wild. So it is safe to say that they are very rare. There may be hundreds found in a relatively short time of say one or two years but still compared to the overwhelming majority, they are rare. I am refering to Completely different animals that have been classified as different species. Even though the definition says a Species can reproduce and their offspring are not sterile.
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?

J Sierra

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