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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | Smooth-scaled. One of the supposed "Coral Snake mimics" due to the similarity in colors, but the arrangement is different. These are the "Red touch Black, my friend Jack" snakes. It has a white, off-white, or yellowish snout and red rings bordered by black rings, which are bordered by white or cream rings. In some individuals, most or all of the red rings may be lacking or incomplete (appearing as red wedges on the lower sides). Adult Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes average 24–40 in. (61–102 cm), with a record size of 62 in. (157.5 cm). Egg-layers. Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes will usually lay 3–9 eggs, but have been known to lay as many as 15 in captivity. | + | Smooth-scaled. One of the supposed "Coral Snake mimics" due to the similarity in colors, but the arrangement is different. These are the "Red touch Black, my friend Jack" snakes. It has a white, off-white, or yellowish snout and red rings bordered by black rings, which are bordered by white or cream rings. In some individuals, most or all of the red rings may be lacking or incomplete (appearing as red wedges on the lower sides). On most individuals the red, black and white pigmentation extends onto and across the belly. The subspecies ''L. p. knoblochi'' differs from the other two subspecies by not having rings on the body. The red or orange rings are more of a rectangular blotch, not extending to the lower edges of the snake. these blotches can be entirely encircled by black, but are always encircled by white pigmentation, fusing into an irregular white line along the 3rd and 5th scale rows. The belly of this subspecies is red and white. |
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| + | Adult Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes average 24–40 in. (61–102 cm), with a record size of 62 in. (157.5 cm). Egg-layers. Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes will usually lay 3–9 eggs, but have been known to lay as many as 15 in captivity. | ||
The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (''Lampropeltis pyromelana'') was described by Edward Cope in 1867. | The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (''Lampropeltis pyromelana'') was described by Edward Cope in 1867. | ||
Latest revision as of 20:22, 17 December 2017
- Lampropeltis pyromelana
Identification
Smooth-scaled. One of the supposed "Coral Snake mimics" due to the similarity in colors, but the arrangement is different. These are the "Red touch Black, my friend Jack" snakes. It has a white, off-white, or yellowish snout and red rings bordered by black rings, which are bordered by white or cream rings. In some individuals, most or all of the red rings may be lacking or incomplete (appearing as red wedges on the lower sides). On most individuals the red, black and white pigmentation extends onto and across the belly. The subspecies L. p. knoblochi differs from the other two subspecies by not having rings on the body. The red or orange rings are more of a rectangular blotch, not extending to the lower edges of the snake. these blotches can be entirely encircled by black, but are always encircled by white pigmentation, fusing into an irregular white line along the 3rd and 5th scale rows. The belly of this subspecies is red and white.
Adult Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes average 24–40 in. (61–102 cm), with a record size of 62 in. (157.5 cm). Egg-layers. Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes will usually lay 3–9 eggs, but have been known to lay as many as 15 in captivity.
The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) was described by Edward Cope in 1867.
Distribution
Found in mountainous areas of Arizona, western Utah, eastern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, and portions of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to over 9,100 feet (610–2,775+ m) .
Taxonomy
Species & Subspecies
There is 1 species and 3 subspecies:
Species
- Lampropeltis pyromelana: Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake
Subspecies
- L. p. pyromelana: Arizona Mountain Kingsnake
- L. p. infralabialis: Utah Mountain Kingsnake
- L. p. knoblochi : Chihuahua Mountain Kingsnake
A former subspecies, L. p. woodini, The Huachuca Mountain Kingsnake, was dropped by taxonomists in the 1980s. It is found in the mountains of southeast AZ, and its pattern appears to be intermediate between L. p. pyromelana and L. p. knoblochi (an intergrade), with wider white rings.
Habitat
At lowest elevations (2,000 to 5,000 feet) this snake is primarily restricted to riparian corridors, while at higher elevations (5,000 to 9,000+ feet) they may be encountered almost anywhere. Being primarily lizard eaters, habitat must contain sunlit areas with rocks or rotting logs. This is a snake of the pine/oak belt, that reaches up into the spruce and alpine forest. Lower elevations are characterized by willows, oaks, chaparral, and even Saguaro cactus in riparian corridors.
Behaviour
Secretive. This snake remains hidden underground or under surface objects most of the time. Mountain Kingsnakes in general are abundant, yet difficult to find unless you understand when and where to look. Most are seen as they cross trails or roads on cloudy mornings or late afternoons. During the spring and summer monsoon season these snakes can be found under surface objects as they thermoregulate (warm up) or digest prey. However, they will not be found in this situation when the surface is dry. Sunny days following rains, or cloudy days during summer monsoon season are ideal for locating them in this manner.
References
Hubbs, Brian. 2004. Mountain Kings. Tricolor Books. Tempe, AZ.
