All kings and milks are in the same genus, and therefor closely related. Leonis, known as the Thayer's, Variable or Nuevo Leone Kingsnake, is a distinct species from milksnakes, including the Black Milksnake. In addition, all Black Milksnakes eventually become black, but are not born that way. Melanistic leonis are born black, but it is not the normal appearance of species, but rather a recessive trait (morph).
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