The few specimens of this species from Michoacán show a wide range of variation; furthermore, the present systematic status of the subspecies of Lampropeltis doliata portrays an incongruous pattern of distribution. Specimens from the Sierra de Coalcomán have relatively narrow red bands that are not interrupted dorsally by extensions of the black rings; the scales in the red bands have black tips. The specimen from El Sabino (EHT-HMS 5253) and the one from the Río Nexpa on the coast (USNM 31491) have broader red bands; the scales in the red bands do not have black tips. A specimen from 24 kilometers west of Morelia (UIMNH 17782) and one from Uruapan (UMMZ 121508) have the red bands interrupted dorsally by extensions from the black rings.
Specimens from the Sierra de Coalcomán were referred to L. doliata blanchardi by Peters (1954:24), who noted that in some characters these snakes were like L. d. nelsoni and in others like L. d. polyzona. The individual from El Sabino was referred to L. d. nelsoni by Taylor (1940c:465); the one from 24 kilometers west of Morelia was referred to L. d. arcifera by Smith (1942c:198). If these assignments are correct, three subspecies of Lampropeltis doliata occur in Michoacán: blanchardi in the Sierra de Coalcomán, nelsoni on the coast and in the Tepalcatepec Valley, and arcifera on the Mexican Plateau and in the Cordillera Volcánica. Such a distribution is plausible, but the few specimens and our general lack of knowledge of the variation and relationships of the different populations do not permit a definite assignment at this time.
Lampropeltis ruthveni Blanchard
Lampropeltis ruthveni Blanchard, Occ. Pap. Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, 81:8, April 28, 1920.—Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México.
Morelia; Pátzcuaro; Tacícuaro.
At the present time this species is known definitely from only three localities on the Mexican Plateau in Michoacán. An incomplete skin from El Sabino (EHT-HMS 5438) was referred to this species by Taylor (1940c:465); the specimen cannot be found, so verification of the identification cannot be made at this time.
Leptodeira latifasciata (Günther)
Hypsiglena latifasciata Günther, Biologia Centrali-Americana, Reptilia, p. 138, October, 1894.—Southern México. Type locality restricted to Huajintlán, Morelos, México, by Smith and Taylor (1950a:331).
Leptodeira latifasciata, Dunn, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 22:696, December, 1936.
Apatzingán; El Sabino; La Playa; 32 km. E of Nueva Italia.