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RAUK - Archived Forum - Unidentified snake

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Unidentified snake:

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Iowarth
Admin Group
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 222


View other posts by Iowarth
Posted: 30 Mar 2010
Hi everyone
Here's one for our snake experts. It was reported by someone using the recording facility on the site.
There is a question of whether or not it might be a totally melanistic grass snake but to my mind the scalation doesn't look quite right and I am more inclined towards an escaped pet alien.
Thoughts are more than welcome.
Found in a garden in Altrincham, Cheshire - slightly dead possible by dog in garden or dropped by a raptor.

Opinions/ID please.







Chris Davis, Site Administrator
Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme
David Bird
Forum Specialist
Joined: 17 Feb 2003
No. of posts: 515


View other posts by David Bird
Posted: 30 Mar 2010
I would say not a Grass Snake, head shape all wrong and the scales are not keeled like Natrix. First view I thought a King snake, the Albinos and Melanistics of any species are difficult to I.D. and do occur in many captive forms nowadays. The form that is always Black or Dark Brown is the Mexican Black Kingsnake which was Lampropeltis getulus nigritus, I am not sure if this is still correct but older books will have this as the scientific name.


David
British Herpetological Society Librarian and member of B.H.S Conservation Committee. Self employed Herpetological Consultant and Field Worker.
Iowarth
Admin Group
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 222


View other posts by Iowarth
Posted: 30 Mar 2010
Hi David

Many thanks. I must admit that my thought from the head shape in particular was one of the King Snake/Milk Snake family but I didn't want to prejudice any opinions.

We shall have to wait and see if anybody differs but I think you have probably hit the nail on the head.

All the best

Chris

Chris Davis, Site Administrator
Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme
Alex2
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
No. of posts: 266


View other posts by Alex2
Posted: 30 Mar 2010
Dave's right, no question, it's a L.g.nigrita. Used to keep these myself. What a shame, Alex
Alex2
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
No. of posts: 266


View other posts by Alex2
Posted: 30 Mar 2010
I may well be wrong but i would also say it appears that she's been beaten with something, quite a severe break to the vertebral column by the looks of it.
Paul Hudson
Member
Joined: 24 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 33


View other posts by Paul Hudson
Posted: 31 Mar 2010
Looks like a Mexican black king snake to me
Paul Hudson
Iowarth
Admin Group
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 222


View other posts by Iowarth
Posted: 01 Apr 2010
Thanks everyone - appears to be 100% agreement.
Chris Davis, Site Administrator
Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme
dave fixx
Senior Member
Joined: 13 Mar 2007
No. of posts: 319


View other posts by dave fixx
Posted: 01 Apr 2010
glad everyone does agree it reminded me of a kingsnake I used to have but must admit to being a little shy in suggesting this.

Dave 
Dave Williams
davewilliamsphotography.co.uk

- Unidentified snake

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