Lampropeltis ruthveni

(Blanchard, 1920)

Vernacular names
English : Ruthven’s kingsnake
French : Serpent roi de Ruthven

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to a length of about 90 cm. Broad head. Coloration is dark red with creamy-yellow bands, each band edged with two broad black bands, like other species from its genus (mimicking coral snakes). Black head with red spots.

Range and habitat
The species is found in Central America and is endemic to central Mexico where it occurs in Michoacan, Querétaro, Jalisco, Hidalgo and Guanajuato states. Lives in thorn forests, pine-oak forests near farmland, from 1500 to 2250 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a small range and is vulnerable to overtrapping for the pet trade. Could soon be uplisted on the Red List as its habitat is threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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