As the name suggests, the Variable Kingnsnake is an an exceptionally diverse species with a taxonomic history that is rivaled only by its wide variety of color and patterns. The species was first described in 1893 and named Lampropeltis leonis (Gunther, 1893). It was described again in 1924 as Lampropeltis thayeri (Loveridge, 1924) and once determined to be the same species, found its taxonomic home in the Lampropeltis mexicana complex in 1962 under the subspecific nomenclature leonis (Gehlbach and Baker, 1962). The species is variably known by the common names Variable Kingsnake, Thayer’s Kingsnake, and Nuevo Leon Kingsnake.
Size: Hatchlings range from 6-9 inches and adults can grow up to 24-38 inches
Distribution and Habitat: Lampropeltis mexicana leonis is endemic to the dry and sub-humid regions of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The species is most commonly found in the states of Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Coahuila in northeastern Mexico. This region borders the Chihuauan desert to the northwest, creating dry to semi-arid climates, with sub-humid climates in the southern and coastal areas. L.m. leonis is present in diverse habitats from desert scrub along the Chihuanhuan interface to pine-oak and subtropical regions moving southeast across the range.
Behavior and Natural History: L.m. leonis reside under rocks or fallen tree trunks and debris and can be found on the periphery of disturbed areas. They eat mainly amphibians, other reptiles, and small mammals. In the wild, they are associated with clutch sizes of 3 to 5 eggs however much larger clutches have been observed in captivity.
Species of the Lampropeltis mexicana complex are rare and secretive, but their populations appear to be stable. Due to their wide distribution, they are presumed to have large populations and are currently listed as a species of least concern. Like most reptiles and amphibians today, L.m. leonis’s greatest threat is human development and habitat destruction. This species, like most others, is killed due to misidentification and ignorance.
Description: The diversity of color and pattern traits expressed by the this species is great; several morphs may hatch from a single clutch. There are three distinct phases that have been observed: melanistic phase (produces an all black snake), milk snake phase, and leonis phase, with many intermediate individuals.
Dorsally, the base color is generally muted gray, orange, tan, or yellow, punctuated with dark blotches, bands, or saddles of orange, red, brown, or black outlined in white; the ventral area is mottled with similar shades. The neck typically displays a nuchal blotch that is light in the center.
Due to the broad phenotypic variation of Lampropeltis mexicana leonis, it is no surprise that the species has a long and complicated taxonomic history since its discovery by A.C. Gunther in 1893. After more than a century of geographic, morphologic, and genetic observation and research, the species has come to reside in the Lampropeltis mexicana complex along with fellow Mexican kingsnakes L.m. mexicana (San Luis Potosi Kingsnake) and L.m. greeri (Durango Mountain Kingsnake).
In Captivity: The Variable Kingsnake is a wonderful species to keep and breed, producing a diversity of color/pattern combinations in a single clutch. Due to their secretive nature, they are most comfortable in an enclosure with a secure hide. They generally thrive on a aspen mulch or coco husk substrate with a hide and separate water dish. This species can be prone to obesity as they are voracious feeders.
Keeper/Breeder Level: Intermediate. Like many other species with small offspring, there can be a considerable amount of effort required in order to start babies feeding independently. There are many feeding techniques to try which can assist with this process, but success depends greatly on trial and error and persistence.
Tar River Reptiles 