Lampropeltis ruthveni (Plateau Mountain Kingsnake)

 Vicinity of Jiquilpan, Michoacan

Located in far northwestern Michoacan, just south of Laguna de Chapala, Jiquilpan (5367 ft / 1635 m elevation) lies within a plant community best described as mesquite grassland, though with considerable arborescent vegetation. Lampropeltis ruthveni is intimately associated with the limestone rocks that are scattered throughout the region. Queretaran Dusky Rattlesnakes (Crotalus aquilus) also occur here. All photos courtesy of Chris Rodriguez. (July 2006).