What gives the Speckled Kingsnake (*Lampropeltis holbrooki*) its characteristic "salt-and-pepper" appearance?
Answer
Small yellow or white specks centered on nearly every dorsal scale
The Speckled Kingsnake's appearance is described as dark brown or black ground color overlaid with small yellow or white specks, with one speck centered on almost every dorsal scale, creating the salt-and-pepper look.

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