Lampropeltis rhombomaculata
(Holbrook, 1840)
lam-proh-PEL-tis — ROM-boh-mak-yoo-LAH-tah
Range maps are based on curated specimens and provided gratis by CNAH.
(Created by Travis W. Taggart; Version: 2023.04.09.21.41.45)
Download GeoJSON polygon range file: - 0.68 MB
Taxonomic Etymology:
Named for its rhombus-shaped dorsal spots.
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.
rhombomaculata — A pattern-based morphology descriptor. It is a compound hybrid adjective formed from Greek rhómbos (“diamond-shaped figure”) and Latin maculata (feminine singular of maculatus, the perfect passive participle of maculō, “to stain, spot, or mark”). Literally, it translates to “diamond-spotted.” The name refers to the series of rhomboid light-brown spots along the dorsum, a key diagnostic trait distinguishing this species from congeners. The original description highlights this characteristic: “…superior surface chestnut-brown, with a vertebral series of rhomboid light brown spots…”