Lampropeltis extenuata
(Brown, 1890)
lam-proh-PEL-tis — ex-ten-YOO-ah-tah
Range maps are based on curated specimens and provided gratis by CNAH.
(Created by Travis W. Taggart; Version: 2023.09.10.21.35.12)
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Taxonomic Etymology:
Named for its thin-body.
Lampropeltis — Derives from the Greek lamprós (λαμπρός), meaning “shiny,” and péltē (πέλτη), meaning “shield.” The name likely alludes to the genus’ smooth, glossy scales, which resemble a polished shield.
extenuata — A morphology-based descriptor of comparative nature. It is the feminine singular form of the Latin adjective extenuatus, the perfect passive participle of extenuō (“to thin, reduce, diminish”), meaning “thinned,” “reduced,” or “slender.” As a first/second declension adjective, it agrees in gender with the genus Lampropeltis. The name refers to the species’ slender form. Brown originally described the taxon as Stilosoma extenuatum. Although he did not explicitly mention slenderness in the species description, this trait was emphasized in his diagnosis of the genus: “STILOSOMA genus nov. Generic Characters—Body very slender, cylindrical and rigid; tail short; head rounded on frontal outline, not distinct from body.” The epithet thus derives its meaning from the generic characterization rather than the individual species account.