Is this hatchling a Mexican Black Kingsnake?

[brittanyb318]

I was told this was a Mexican Black Kingsnake which would turn all black as it ages. Now that I am doing more research it resembles a desert kingsnake more. I want to know how I can tell for sure that this snake is an MBK.

[Mikoh4792]

I can't see your pictures.

[Albert Clark]

Mexican blacks are solid black and desert kings are not. Desert kings have a pattern that includes faded yellows laterally and dorsal coloration of the scales.

[eminart]

Black milk snakes hatch tri colored and eventually turn black. Mex black kingsnakes hatch black and stay that way.

[Minkness]

Note , MBKs are not born 'solid' black but actually sport white spots along their sides and belly and under their chin when young. The white disapears with age however.

[eminart]

Originally Posted by Minkness

Note , MBKs are not born 'solid' black but actually sport white spots along their sides and belly and under their chin when young. The white disapears with age however.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm certainly no MBK expert. I sould have said, "more or less" solid black. Certainly not banded. I can't see the photos of the snake in question, but the way she described it, I thought someone might have gotten their black kingsnakes and milksnakes confused. Sounds like it's a banded snake, so even considering juvie spots, it wouldn't be a mexican black king.