Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri

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Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri
Lampropeltis Mexicana Thayeri (1).JPG
Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri in the melanistic phase
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Lampropeltis
Species:
L. mexicana
Subspecies:
L. m. thayeri
Trinomial name
Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri

Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri, currently known as lampropeltis leonis, or Nuevo León kingsnake, variable kingsnake, or Thayer's kingsnake, is a nonvenomous snake belonging to the family Colubridae.[2][3] Thayer's kingsnake is a subspecies of the mexicana group of the genus Lampropeltis.[2] Thayer's kingsnake is endemic to the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateaus in Tamaulipas, Mexico.[2] Thayer's kingsnake is known for producing offspring typically displaying three[a] main variable phases within the same clutch from similar-coloured patterned parents.[4][2][5]

Range[]

Thayer's kingsnake is found on the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateaus in Tamaulipas, Mexico.[2]

Behavior[]

The behaviour of Thayer's kingsnake is similar to many of the other kingsnake species. Thayer's kingsnake is typically non-aggressive[2] and reclusive and does well in captivity. Thayer's kingsnake requires a hiding place at all times and often prefers to hide in such.[2]

Diet[]

Thayer's kingsnake kills its prey by constriction and prefers a diet of lizards in the wild although they have been known to feed on rodents, frogs and other snakes.[2] In captivity, Thayer's kingsnakes can be weaned onto rodents as their main food source.

Reproduction[]

Thayer's kingsnakes are oviparous typically laying between six–14 eggs up to twice per year.[6] Like many other colubrids, Thayer's kingsnakes usually mate in early spring following a winter cooling period.

Notes[]

  1. ^ The fourth phase, "melanistic" or "black", is uncommon but may appear in a clutch.[4]

References[]

  1. ^ Lampropeltis mexicana at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 October 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Cherry, John. "Thayer's Kingsnake", kingsnake.com. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  3. ^ Wrobel, Murray (2004). Elsevier's Dictionary of Reptiles. Elsevier, 2004. p. 758. ISBN 9780080459202.
  4. ^ a b Wallis, Andrew. "The Thayer's or Variable kingsnake", Blue Lizard Reptiles. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  5. ^ Applegate, Bob. "Thayer's Kingsnake", Applegate Reptiles. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  6. ^ Wallis, Andrew. "The Thayer's or Variable kingsnake". Retrieved 6 October 2013.
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