Breeding Programs & Available Offspring

Steve and Karen Osborne
2385 Royal Crest Drive
Escondido, California 92025 USA
1-800-487-9658 Call or FAX in U.S. and Canada
(760) 781-1339 International Call or FAX
E-mail: probreeders@yahoo.com
Tarahumara Mountain Kingsnakes
Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi
Click on images to enlarge
Top: An example of a highly refined 3rd generation Type II knoblochi color and pattern morph. This is our primary adult breeding Type II male.

Tarahumara Mountain Kingsnakes have a unique color pattern of 60 to 80 triads with the white bands joining on the sides forming lateral zig-zag white stripes along the full length of the body. Even with the high band count the orange or red bands are usually complete dorsally. One key trait in the most beautiful examples is a symmetrical distribution of the pattern. The process of establishing and developing this subspecies in captivity was considered by Professional Breeders® as early as 1981 and began in 1987. Steve was part of collecting expeditions to the remote type locality in the Tarahumara Mountains, Chihuahua, Mexico in 1987 and 1988. A total of 15 adult specimens were collected and the first breeding and hatching of knoblochi in captivity was accomplished in August of 1988. Three distinct color and pattern morphs were evident in the original collected stock. We have carefully refined these morphs through highly focused third and fourth generation selective breeding.

  • Type I has uniform squarish orange or red banding bordered by narrow black and low to medium lateral white stripes with black and red blotching in the lateral white. A red or orange blotch is present on top of the head.

  • Type II has small oval shaped red blotches with wide black borders and very high lateral white stripes and white interspaces with some red and mostly black blotching in the lateral white. A red blotch may be present or absent on top of the head.

  • Type III has uniform bright orange banding bordered by sliver thin black and low lateral white stripes. An orange blotch is present on top of the head. This type is easily recognized by an extreme reduction in black pigment and a bright orange ventral surface. Adults in all three types can reach a length of at least 52 inches. Because of the natural exquisite beauty and through the refinement of traits, Tarahumara Mtn. Kings have become the most desirable montane kingsnake.

Right: Type III knoblochi color and pattern morph recognized by highly reduced black and low lateral white.

Bottom: A well refined example of a classic Type I knoblochi.

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