Taxonomic discussion

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

A muddled "Coast" with all the red flecking...


While these specimens might just be crazy variations, the possibility of hybridization in the wild fascinates me. I don't believe that there's any complete hybridization possible, since that might muddle all the local traits (unless we are really dealing with a variety of recessive or co-dominant, etc traits). I suspect partial hybridization where perhaps fertile females are possible. As with inter-generic crosses like that of creating jungle corns, males are often sterile. Keeping this in mind, it is possible that subspecies traits could be reaffirmed by crossing female hybrids back to one or the other subspecies, thus preventing over-all muddling within a specific locality.

The truth (HA!) of the matter is, we just don't know it all yet. Recessives, co-dominants, intergrade and hybrid effects, diet, environment, inter-breeding in isolated populations.... The sky is the limit.

Thamnophis - truly a conundrum at times!

Steve

[ssssnakeluvr]

A muddled "Coast" with all the red flecking...

I would say this is a coast garter for sure......