Snake Identification Help

Tshelpuk · 01-16-18, 09:28 PM

Hi All,

Looking for a little help identifying a snake. I've attached a picture.

In addition, it's from this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2opuRl_fBRU

Video time 6:35 - 6:46

Thanks in advance!

craigafrechette · 01-17-18, 08:00 AM

Looks like a Brooks or Florida Kingsnake to me

IDvsEGO · 01-17-18, 08:26 AM

I was going to say a king for sure. I am not an expert on the topic though. Just reminds me of some of the kings I almost brought home.

DJC Reptiles · 01-17-18, 11:08 AM

Definitely non-venomous, probably a sub-adult brooks king by the look of it. Very beneficial to keep around. Very pretty colors though.

FWK · 01-17-18, 05:55 PM

It is an adult Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) or Speckled Kingsnake (L. holbrooki). These species are described genetically, and are not always distinguishable by phenotype (color/pattern). They also have a large contact area, and there are varying options on exactly where the line is. It is pretty typical of the traditional Desert Kingsnake phenotype found in central Texas, west into New Mexico, and south into Mexico. The black head and belly were easy markers to distinguish it from the more eastern Speckled Kingsnake. But without a locale I'll leave a small measure of uncertainty.

DJC Reptiles · 01-17-18, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWK

It is an adult Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) or Speckled Kingsnake (L. holbrooki). These species are described genetically, and are not always distinguishable by phenotype (color/pattern). They also have a large contact area, and there are varying options on exactly where the line is. It is pretty typical of the traditional Desert Kingsnake phenotype found in central Texas, west into New Mexico, and south into Mexico. The black head and belly were easy markers to distinguish it from the more eastern Speckled Kingsnake. But without a locale I'll leave a small measure of uncertainty.

Yeah, I am going to have to agree with you. Now that I got another look, it's too bright and saturated to be a brooks kingsnake

Bandit · 01-17-18, 08:32 PM

As FWK said, it's a Desert King. I've never seen a Speckled King with that pattern and an all black head, but then again I haven't herped their entire range, so I can't say that certain locales don't have those features. However, it still looks like a typical Desert King to me.

craigafrechette · 01-17-18, 08:50 PM

Yeah, I agree as well. Splendida was escaping my mind, but was thinking there was another possibility. Now I see it...
Anyway, I love Kings. My Cal King, Django is an awesome snake. The only one of my current snakes to have tagged me, but overall my favorite snake of all time.

Tshelpuk · 01-18-18, 07:11 AM

Thank you all! Now that I am looking into the snakes you all mentioned above, looks to be a Desert King. You guys are good!