Lampropeltis californiae

This is a narrow sense of Lampropeltis californiae that excludes L. nigrita; this change was proposed by Krysko et al. (2017) and accepted by Crother (2017).

Previously, based on mitochondrial DNA evidence, ecological niche modeling, morphology, and historical precedence, Pyron and Burbrink (2009) determined that the traditionally recognized Lampropeltis getula comprises five distinct species: L. getula, L. nigra, L. holbrooki, L. splendida, and L. californiae (includes L. getula nigrita) Crother et al. (in Crother. 2012) accepted this treatment.

Large range in a wide variety of habitats in western North America; presumed large population size; many occurrences; relatively stable or at least not declining at a rapid rate.

Range extends from southern Oregon, western and southern Nevada, southern Utah, and extreme southwestern Colorado (Hammerson 1999) southward through California, Arizona, and possibly extreme western New Mexico to southern Baja California and northern Sinaloa (Mexico) (Pyron and Burbrink 2009).

The number of distinct occurrences has not been determined using consistent criteria, but this species is represented by a very large number of collection sites and locations (as defined by IUCN).

No major threats are known. Over the long term, a substantial extent of habitat has been lost/degraded due to intense urbanization and agricultural development, but a large amount of occupied suitable habitat remains. Some local populations near towns probably have been depleted by collection for the pet trade, but most populations are not vulnerable to excessive collection.