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The Mexican black kingsnake (''Lampropeltis getula nigrita'') is part of the larger colubrid family of snakes, and a subspecies of the common kingsnake, which is debated by herpetologists to contain as many as 10 unique varieties.〔Wilson, Don (2001) ''Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife''. DK Publishing, New York, NY ISBN 0756686776.〕 This species occupy rocky areas and places lush with vegetation in various regions of the Sonora Desert, Northwestern Sinaloa, Mexico, and small parts of Arizona. In captivity, they can remain in excellent health through a strict diet of mice and generally require a temperature gradient between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. ==Introduction== Like all Kingsnakes, the Mexican black kingsnake is a constrictor, using its powerful body to envelop and asphyxiate its prey, and therefore lacks any venom. Their diet ''does'' include other snakes (ophiophagy) — particularly rattlesnakes which are also common to the region—and as result, has developed an immunity to various kinds of venom.〔Bauchot, Roland (1997) ''Snakes: A Natural History''. Sterling Publishing, New York, NY ISBN 1402731817.〕 This species (not unlike other kingsnakes) occupy rocky areas and places lush with vegetation in various regions of the Sonora Desert, Northwestern Sinaloa, Mexico, and small parts of Arizona. Recent evidence suggests that species found within Arizona, despite their dark markings, are actually a cross between the Mexican black kingsnake (''Lampropeltis getula nigrita''), the California kingsnake (''Lampropeltis getula californiae''), or the desert black kingsnake (''Lampropeltis getula splendida''). The various kingsnakes in these areas often interbreed and are no longer considered "pure" Mexican black kingsnakes.〔Hubbs, Brian (2009) ''Common Kingsnakes''. Tricolor Books, Tempe, AZ ISBN 0975464116〕 The Mexican black kingsnake's diet consists mainly of small rodents, lizards, birds, eggs, and other snakes.〔〔 They are opportunistic hunters that will frequent the burrows of rodents and other small creatures, looking for their next meal.〔 While they are a terrestrial species, they have been known to climb low vegetation, and are also excellent swimmers. Younglings sometimes carry small spots of white or yellow, particularly under their chin; however, those markings commonly either fade or disappear entirely as they mature. A full grown adult will usually have no discernible rings or other markings of any kind. It is, however, a common misconception that this subspecies of kingsnake is black in colour. In actuality, they are of a deep, dark, chocolate—something that is highly visible under direct light. The enamel of their scales reflects a "blueish" shimmer (pictured left), a trait made prominent on their ventral scales (likely due to their size, shape, and smoothness), and has been likened to that of the inside of an oyster shell. While this characteristic is found in many colubrids, it is exceptionally apparent on this particular species due to the rich, dark colour of its scales. ''Lampropeltis'' means "shiny shield" (from Greek λαμπρος, "shine" + πελτα, "shield"). The Mexican black kingsnake is considered a popular pet (especially for novice collectors) because it is quite easy to care for, generally well natured, and has no reservations feeding on either live or "pre-killed" rodents. They are active during the day and at night (diurnal); however, they tend to hunt during the daytime, as they rely on their (albeit limited) vision for predation.〔 While their eyes do have severely limited acuity, their ability to detect movement is quite acute. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Mexican black kingsnake」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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