Amount of coloration varies, but they are generally darker at the head to midbody, then become lighter toward the tail. Typically dark brown or black fading to light brown or gray.
Ventral coloration corresponds with dorsal coloration.
Dark variations, black all over with reddish color on sides of tail, occur at the western reaches of its range. The ventral surface is pale with the anterior ventral scales having double rows of black spots. In North America, Lampropeltis calligaster is found from Maryland to southern Illinois to Texas. In Texas, it is found throughout the state. Masticophis flagellum flagellum in blue Masticophis flagellum testaceus in green This project funded by the University of Texas College of Natural Sciences and the Texas Memorial Museum .