Why is pinpointing the exact taxonomic placement of *L. californiae* considered essential?
Answer
Shifting statuses can affect legal protections and field identification
Pinpointing the exact taxonomic placement is essential because shifting statuses, resulting from nomenclature revisions, can affect legal protections and field identification.

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What is the Greek meaning of the genus name *Lampropeltis*?To which snake family does *Lampropeltis californiae* belong?What global rank has NatureServe currently assigned to *Lampropeltis californiae*?What key feature is *L. californiae* typically lacking compared to many *L. zonata* populations?Besides California, which other region does the distribution of *L. californiae* extend into according to the text?What broader species grouping was *L. californiae* sometimes linked under in older literature?What pattern distinguishes the Striped Form subspecies of *L. californiae*?Why is pinpointing the exact taxonomic placement of *L. californiae* considered essential?Where are Blotched Form patterns often common in *L. californiae* populations?To which Class does the California Kingsnake belong in the traditional Linnaean hierarchy?