Lampropeltis polyzona

(Cope, 1860)

Vernacular names
English : Central American milksnake
French : Serpent de lait d’Amérique centrale

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Split from Lampropeltis triangulum, includes former subspecies such as L. t. sinaloae, L. t. campbelli…)

Identification
Fairly slender species with head barely distinct from the neck, reaching a maximum length of 1.20 m. Width of bands variable but always broad red and white-yellow bands separated by narrower black bands. Black snout.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to Mexico and occurs in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa and the Tres Marias Islands. Lives in semi arid areas with rock formations, mostly in pine woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has been assessed by IUCN Red List after its taxonomic reassessment. It seems fairly common in the wild for now.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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