Pine Snake


Barry Mansell photo.

Scientific name: Pituophis melanoleucus.

The following key will separate the two subspecies of pine snakes that are found in Florida. If you are unable to distinguish between the subspecies using the characteristics in the key below, you should be able to do so using geographic location alone.

1a Back is tan to rusty brown with distinct blotches; throughout the Florida peninsula and panhandle west to the Escambia River. Florida pine snake,
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus
1b Back is dark brown to black; in Florida it is found only west of the Escambia River in the panhandle. Black pine snake,
Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi


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