Lampropeltis getula meansi
| Apalachicola Kingsnake | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Taken at Cincinnati Zoo. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Lampropeltis |
| Species: | L. getula |
| Subspecies: | L. g. meansi |
| Trinomial name | |
| Lampropeltis getula meansi Krysko & Judd, 2006 | |
The Apalachicola Kingsnake (also known as the Apalachicola Lowlands Kingsnake) is a non-venomous species of kingsnake found in a small area of the Florida panhandle known as the Apalachicola Lowlands. Long argued as to whether or not it is a sub-species, the Apalachicola Kingsnake was formerly named Lampropeltis getula goini. After years of research and many more specimens examined, in 2006 it was renamed to Lampropeltis getula meansi after D. Bruce Means, in recognition of his work on this species.
Description
Adults can range from 30 to 56.1 inches. They are characterized by variable coloration patterns with an overall light dorsal coloration and wide or thin banding patterns. However, some striped and patternless specimens have also been identified. The ventral pattern is also variable; some with bicolored, loose checkerboard, or predominantly dark scales. They possess smooth scales and have 21 dorsal scale rows at mid-body.
Geographic range
The Eastern Apalachicola Lowlands kingsnake is endemic to Florida, and is only found in the panhandle between the Apalachicola and Ochlokonee rivers and South of Telogia creek. Morphological intermediates are found on both northern and southern ends of the range. These intermediates represent interbreeding between the Apalachicola kingsnake (L.g.meansi) and the Eastern kingsnake (L.g.getula).[1]
Habitat
Suitable habitat varies, however their range is quite small. The Apalachicola kingsnake's habitat includes pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, and estuaries.
Diet
Their diet includes snakes, even venomous ones such as the rattlesnake, lizards, amphibians, rodents, birds, and turtle and bird eggs.
Reproduction
As like other kingsnakes, they are oviparous, or egg laying. Breeding takes place in March, April and May, and after a month approximately 3 to 30 eggs are laid. The eggs hatch in late summer, 65 to 70 days after they have been laid. The hatchlings have an enormous appetite and grow quickly.
References
- D. Bruce Means and Kenneth L. Krysko (2001-12-31). "Biogeography and pattern variation of kingsnakes, lampropeltis getula, in the Apalachicola region of Florida". Contemporary Herpetology. 5. ISSN 1094-2246. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
- "Apalachicola Lowlands Kingsnake". Center for North American Herpetology. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
- Kenneth L. Krysko and Walter S. Judd (2006). "Morphological systematics of kingsnakes, lampropeltis getula complex (Serpentes: Colubridae), in the eastern United States" (PDF). Zootaxa (1193). ISSN 1175-5334. Retrieved 2008-07-04.