It's a Kingsnake... But what kind?

[John Marker]

Hey guys and gals, I found this little guy in my pool this afternoon and I am wondering what exactly he is? I know that he is a kingsnake of sorts, and I believe that he is an eastern kingsnake, but I not 100% sure.

I live about 20 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Just to give you all an idea of where I found him.





Any and all help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

[wilomn]

I think you have an integrade there. I think it's an Eastern crossed with maybe a speckled, though doubtful or maybe one of the getula gutula.

I'm not as up on my eastern kings. I know there's a good field guide out there for eastern herps. I have it in a box someplace in my garage.

Neat little bugger.

[Brandon Osborne]

It is a Black King (L.G. nigra). The yellow bands will fade into very faint speckles, or disappear almost completely. The belly will stay checkered, and there may be a few yellow speckles on the sides. They reach an average size of about 36-40", but can get up to 60". Great snakes and easy to take care of once feeding is established. Good luck.

Brandon Osborne

[wilomn]

It is a Black King (L.G. nigra). The yellow bands will fade into very faint speckles, or disappear almost completely. The belly will stay checkered, and there may be a few yellow speckles on the sides. They reach an average size of about 36-40", but can get up to 60". Great snakes and easy to take care of once feeding is established. Good luck.

Brandon Osborne

There ya go then. I had completely forgotten about the nigras.

[John Marker]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate your help. No matter what he ends up looking like, he was extremely cool looking when I found him. A little feisty as well, he bit my finger after I was done taking the pictures and would didn't let go for a couple of minutes.

Thanks again,

John