Brand new Thamnophis! :D

[Zephyr]

Today I went herping on a new side of the 3 peninsulas the local river cuts into. After checking the area last year, in early fall, I found nothing but a baby eastern. I returned this year with high hopes and was let down in the beginning. GREATLY. The first snake I found was a dead, shriveled MELANISTIC eastern... However, I quickly found more snakes, mostly adult female easterns, but my friend's sister spotted what I now believe to be a female butler's. However, best of all, I pulled out 2 small butler's males, which weren't even recorded in the area! I kept one of the little dudes, pics soon. So, who else can find these guys?

[adamanteus]

Let's see those pics. Kyle!

[adamanteus]

By the way... did you photograph the dead melanistic?

[Zephyr]

By the way... did you photograph the dead melanistic?

Unfortunately no. My friend only had her camera, I forgot mine... However, she does have pics of me with the massive eastern I caught. Big female with high red... Found her twice. XD
In fact, if when we return to the area later in the week and I find her, I may just keep her. XD

[Zephyr]

Cute little spot on his head. X3

I'm thinking the ID books have it wrong...

[Zephyr]

What I mean by the ID books being wrong is that it appears that the stripe is only on 4 near the head. Otherwise, the stripe is on 2+3 with a chocolate/brown stripe on 1.

[adamanteus]

I'm thinking the ID books have it wrong...

Where do you think they are wrong, Kyle? The ID books state 'lateral stripe on scale row 4 anteriorly', ie near the head!

[Zephyr]

Where do you think they are wrong, Kyle? The ID books state 'lateral stripe on scale row 4 anteriorly', ie near the head!

Ne'ermind. XD
I've seen other sources *googling for them at the moment* say the stripe overlaps onto 4 through along the whole body.
By the way, on a more interesting note, I've decided to name the snake James. lol

[Sid]

Nice Garter, Kyle.

[adamanteus]

Ne'ermind. XD
I've seen other sources *googling for them at the moment* say the stripe overlaps onto 4 through along the whole body.
By the way, on a more interesting note, I've decided to name the snake James. lol

Good choice of name! And excellent T.butleri find!