Lampropeltis nigra ( Yarrow 1882 )

Pyron, Alexander & Burbrink, Frank T., 2009, Systematics of the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula; Serpentes: Colubridae) and the burden of heritage in taxonomy, Zootaxa 2241, pp. 22-32 : 26

Lampropeltis nigra ( Yarrow 1882)

( Figs. 1–3 )

Black Kingsnake

Holotype: USNM 12149, collected by Robert Ridgway.

Type Locality: Wheatland, Knox Co. Indiana.

Etymology: Specific epithet refers to the predominantly black dorsal coloration of many specimens.

Synonymy: This species comprises the previously recognized subspecies L. g. nigra and L. g. holbrooki (part).

Diagnosis: The Black Kingsnake ( L. nigra ) is a large- to medium-bodied constrictor with an average adult size of 90–122cm, with larger individuals attaining maximum lengths of 147–183cm ( Conant & Collins 1998). Scales are smooth, anal plate single, and individuals typically exhibit 19–25 scale rows at midbody. Ventral scale counts range from 197–222 in both sexes (fewer in the north), while subcaudals range from 45– 59 in males and 37–51 in females ( Blaney 1977). The Black Kingsnake can be distinguished from other species in the genus based on a combination of geography and color pattern. The Black Kingsnake ranges from southern Illinois to the Gulf coast along the Mississippi River, and east to the Appalachian mountain and the Alabama River drainage in south Alabama ( Fig. 2 ). Black Kingsnakes all exhibit a black ground color, typically with a black-and-white checkered venter, and rarely faint traces of dorsal crossbands ( Blanchard 1921; Blaney 1977; Conant & Collins 1998). Each dorsal scale is punctuated by a yellow or white speckle near the center of the scale; this is strongest in the southern portion of their range and fades considerably in the north, where many adults may be almost completely black ( Conant & Collins 1998; Fig. 3 ). The Black Kingsnake can be distinguished from the morphologically similar Central lineage on the basis of geography, as the Black Kingsnake is only found east of the Mississippi River ( Fig. 2 ).

Figures

FIGURE 1. Chronogram showing genetic structure, geographic location, and divergence times of the five species in the Lampropeltis getula complex, from Pyron & Burbrink (2009 c). The dates and depth of the terminal triangles represent the time of the most recent common ancestor of that lineage, while the height of the triangles is proportional to the number of samples in the clade. Dates at nodes represent the mean and 95 % credible interval for that node, while numbers above branches represent Bayesian posterior probability support. Divergence times and support values are from Pyron & Burbrink (2009 c).

FIGURE 2. Range map of the five lineages recovered by Pyron & Burbrink (2009 c), corresponding to five distinct species in North America. Note the zones of sympatry between L. californiae and L. splendida, and L. nigra and L. getula.

FIGURE 3. Primary color pattern variants of five species of the Lampropeltis getula group. Many additional variants occur regionally; these are simply the primary color pattern classes of the five species. See Blaney (1977), Conant & Collins (1998), Stebbins (2003), and Krysko & Judd (2006) for more detailed descriptions of color pattern variation. Photograps of L. getula (R), L. nigra (R), L. holbrooki (L), and L. californiae are compliments S. L. & J. T. Collins, CNAH. The photograph of L. holbrooki (R) is compliments D. B. Shepard, CUNY-CSI.