I compiled a few pictures of some California Kingnsnakes I've found/seen in the San Joaquin Valley of California. This is the "big game" herp for me, in my area. I do enjoy finding and photographing these valley kings, more than any other herp species.
This adult male had a very light brown color with white bands, not typical of what is usually seen on the valley floor.
This young king has the classic valley look in my mind. Very dark base coloration with thin, yellow-tinted bands.
Here's one of the many 'Eiseni' phase kings I've found in the valley. This adult female exhibits all the traits typical of this aberrant form. Darker overall coloration, dark markings through the upper labial scales, nearly solid black or chocolate colored belly. (not seen in picture) They are often called "black bellies" because of this trait.
One of the few cal kings seen this year. Conditions were terribly dry, this king was found under a wet mattress! Kings tend to be very picky about the moisture levels under cover. Dry years, you'll often find them under and in carpet rolls, mattresses, yard clippings, blankets, and anything else that soaks up water. Wet years, they seek out warm roofing tins, sheet metal, roofing shingles, plywood boards, concrete and anything else that transfers heat well.
This king was a early bird. I flipped him in late January. Most young king activity starts near the end of Feb. Males emerge in March and Female come full swing by April.
This sub adult male came from down the street from where I live. I do like the coloration and pattern on this one, with his black-edged band scales.
Another female aberrant found under some tin. She was one of six from a day (in a good year) that should of produced 20+ kings. So much depends on the weather!
There's two times in the year when you can flip cal kings in the valley. Early spring and early Fall. I flipped this female last October under some roofing shingles.
My prize for this year. A nice little aberrant male showing off his striped tail pattern for me.
Thanks for looking.
This adult male had a very light brown color with white bands, not typical of what is usually seen on the valley floor.
This young king has the classic valley look in my mind. Very dark base coloration with thin, yellow-tinted bands.
Here's one of the many 'Eiseni' phase kings I've found in the valley. This adult female exhibits all the traits typical of this aberrant form. Darker overall coloration, dark markings through the upper labial scales, nearly solid black or chocolate colored belly. (not seen in picture) They are often called "black bellies" because of this trait.
One of the few cal kings seen this year. Conditions were terribly dry, this king was found under a wet mattress! Kings tend to be very picky about the moisture levels under cover. Dry years, you'll often find them under and in carpet rolls, mattresses, yard clippings, blankets, and anything else that soaks up water. Wet years, they seek out warm roofing tins, sheet metal, roofing shingles, plywood boards, concrete and anything else that transfers heat well.
This king was a early bird. I flipped him in late January. Most young king activity starts near the end of Feb. Males emerge in March and Female come full swing by April.
This sub adult male came from down the street from where I live. I do like the coloration and pattern on this one, with his black-edged band scales.
Another female aberrant found under some tin. She was one of six from a day (in a good year) that should of produced 20+ kings. So much depends on the weather!
There's two times in the year when you can flip cal kings in the valley. Early spring and early Fall. I flipped this female last October under some roofing shingles.
My prize for this year. A nice little aberrant male showing off his striped tail pattern for me.
Thanks for looking.
