Lampropeltis extenuata

Dowling and Maxson (1990), using immunological distance data, found Stilosoma to fall within Lampropeltis. Keogh (1996), however, found Stilosoma to be part of the probable sister group to Lampropeltis. Rodriguez-Robles and de Jesus Escobar (1999) and Bryson et al. (2007) corroborated Dowling and Maxson using mtDNA evidence, and demonstrated that recognition of Stilosoma as a genus renders Lampropeltis paraphyletic. This was confirmed and ameliorated in Pyron and Burbrink (2009) and confirmed in Ruane et al. (2014).

This species is endemic to northern and central Florida. Range extent, area of occupancy, and abundance have suffered substantial declines. The species continues to be threatened by habitat loss from development and agriculture, and habitat degradation from conversion to pine plantations and incompatible land management practices, including expansion of roads within occupied habitat. Invasive fire ants and a lung parasite represent potential threats with unknown impacts.

This species is endemic to Florida, principally northern and central portions of the peninsula, where it is historically known from southern Suwannee and Columbia counties south to Highlands County (Franz et. al. 1992, Enge et al. 2016, Krysko et al. 2019). However, since 2000, this species has only been documented from Gilchrist County south to Polk County (Enge et al. 2016, FNAI 2025, GBIF 2025). Only a single record exists from west of the Suwannee River (Krysko et al. 2019). The current range extent of occurrences known to be extant is 22,749 km² (RARECAT 2025). Historical range extent is estimated to be 33,243 km² (FNAI 2025, GBIF 2025, RARECAT 2025).

Approximately 20-25 occurrences are extant (Enge et al. 2016, FNAI 2025, GBIF 2025).

This species has declined from habitat loss due to development, and conversion to agriculture, pasture, and pine plantations (Campbell and Moler 1992, USFWS 2023). Incompatible land management practices that disturbed the soil are likely a threat in managed areas (USFWS 2023). Populations can survive in some residential areas, however (Campbell and Moler 1992, Enge et al. 2016). Mining has caused additional habitat losses (Campbell and Moler 1992, USFWS 2023). Road mortality (Krysko et al. 2019) has unknown impacts, and highways fragment remaining habitat (Enge et al. 2016). Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are likely causing localized declines where present (Enge et al. 2016), and may reduce prey base (particularly crowned snakes of the genus Tantilla) as well (Krysko et al. 2019). A non-native snake parasite represents a potential serious threat and has been documented within the range (Palmisano et al. 2025).