Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.1006745
Element CodeARADB19100
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNLeast concern
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae
GenusLampropeltis
SynonymsLampropeltis getula holbrookiStejneger, 1902
Concept ReferencePyron, R. A, and F. T. Burbrink. 2009. Systematics of the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula; Serpentes: Colubridae) and the burden of heritage in taxonomy. Zootaxa 2241:22-32.
Taxonomic CommentsBased 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. Crother et al. (in Crother 2012) accepted this taxonomic change. This species is essentially co-terminous with populations of the previously recognized subspecies L. g. holbrooki occurring west of the Mississippi River.
Conservation Status
Rank MethodLegacy Rank calculation - Excel v3.1x
Review Date2016-04-08
Change Date1996-10-31
Edition Date2016-04-08
Edition AuthorsHammerson, G.
Threat ImpactLow
Range Extent200,000-2,500,000 square km (about 80,000-1,000,000 square miles)
Rank ReasonsLarge range in central North America; large area of occupancy and number of locations; presumed large population size; relatively stable or very slowly declining; no major threats.
Range Extent CommentsThis species occurs west of the Mississippi River, from Iowa and Nebraska in the north to the Gulf Coast, and west to west-central Texas, USA (Pyron and Burbrink 2009).
Occurrences CommentsThe 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).
Threat Impact CommentsThis snake is popular in the pet trade, and locally collection may reduce some populations. Some habitat has been lost/degraded as a result of intensive urbanization and agricultural development. Overall, the threat level is low.