brianhindsakafundad's Favorites

The consensus among people I've talked to so far is that this is most likely a hybrid or the offspring of a hybrid between Masticophis flagellum ruddocki and Masticophis lateralis lateralis. That being said, I'm interested to see if anyone thinks otherwise. Anyone know of other Masticophis hybrid records besides taeniatus x lateralis?

@meandthealiens and I found this snake in treeless desert habitat (more suitable for M. f. ruddocki).

Obs near patio, backyard, suburban, SoCal. 1120 hrs., approximately 92 degrees. Active, alert, approximately 30" in length. This species seems to have survived urbanization better than other snakes common to this community. See them 3-4X yearly in the backyard. Juveniles most commonly in early spring (mid March on).

I'm around 80% sure that this is B. minor, since it has the characteristic robust body and short, fat tail, plus the copper coloring on the base of the thighs. The legs are also obviously longer and have more clear toes than those on B. nigriventris. That being said finding 2 (maybe 4) after only around 5 minutes of work ( < 20 logs next to the road, I didn't even need to trespass!) doesn't seem to match their description of being extremely rare and difficult to find, so now I'm second guessing my ID.

Random roadside log I flipped it under on the last slide.

Other B. minor from same spot: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38606790

Other maybe B. minor from same spot: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/38606785

I was amazed to find this Sierran Treefrog trying to make a meal of a juvenile Taricha.

When I flipped the log the newt was upside down and in the frog's mouth, but was soon let go. The frog's tongue stuck out for a few seconds afterwards, I'd like to think due to awesome tetrodotoxin.

Pepperwood Preserve. Santa Rosa, California.