Named for a noted scientist.
Lampropeltis — Derived from the Greek lamprós (λαμπρός, “shiny”) and péltē (πέλτη, “shield”). The name likely refers to the genus’ smooth, glossy scales, which resemble a polished shield.knoblochi — An eponym, formed as a Latin genitive noun with the masculine suffix -i, honoring American botanist and zoologist Irving William “Knobby” Knobloch (1907–1996), who collected the holotype specimen. Knobloch was an American educator and biologist best known for his work on ferns and his extensive botanical collections from Mexico. After earning degrees from SUNY Buffalo and a doctorate in botany from Iowa State University, he spent his career teaching at Michigan State University. During the late 1930s, while managing a copper mine in Mexico, Knobloch collected widely, contributing specimens that led to the identification of new plant and animal species. A prolific author of pteridological papers, he is also remembered for documenting plant collectors in Mexico. His legacy includes extensive collections housed in major herbaria and lasting contributions to the study of Mexican flora and ferns.