Thayeri kingsnake

Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri
Scientific classification
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
Loveridge, 1924[1]

The Thayeri kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri), also known as the Nuevo Leon kingsnake, is a nonvenomous snake belonging to the family Colubridae.[2][3] The Thayeri kingsnake is a subspecies of the mexicana group of the Lampropeltis genus.[2] The Thayeri kingsnake is endemic to the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateaus in Tamaulipas, Mexico.[2] The Thayer's kingsnake is known for producing offspring displaying three main variable phases within the same clutch from similar coloured patterned parents.[2][4]

Range

The Thayeri kingsnake is found on the eastern slopes of the Mexican plateaus in Tamaulipas, Mexico.[2]

Behavior

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

Diet

The Thayeri 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 fellow snakes.[2] In captivity Thayeri kingsnakes can be weaned onto rodents as their main food source.

Reproduction

Thayer's kingsnakes are oviparous typically laying between 6–14 eggs up to twice per year.[5] Like many other colubrids Thayer's kingsnakes usually mate in early spring following a winter cooling period.

References

  1. ↑ Lampropeltis mexicana at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 October 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cherry, John. "Thayer's Kingsnake". Kingsnake.com. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
  3. ↑ Wrobel, Murray (2004). Elsevier's Dictionary of Reptiles. Elsevier, 2004. p. 758. ISBN 9780080459202.
  4. ↑ Applegate, Bob. "Thayer's Kingsnake".
  5. ↑ Wallis, Andrew. "The Thayer's or Variable kingsnake". Retrieved 6 October 2013.
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