Lampropeltis ruthveni (Plateau Mountain Kingsnake)

Vicinity of Amealco, Querétaro

This is the area from which the founders of modern captive lines of Lampropeltis ruthveni were collected. Despite its high elevation (8718 ft/2656 m), the terrain near Amealco is drier than other localities occupied by ruthveni. Habitat consists of abundant rock with scattered oaks, cacti, low-growing xerophyllic shrubs, and grasses. All photos courtesy of Chris Grünwald. (July 2006).