Common King Snake
(Lampropeltis
getula) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: 36-82" (91.4-208.3 cm).
A large chocolate brown to black kingsnake with a highly
variable back and belly pattern. Light-centered scales may form
distinct crossbands, "chainlinks," lengthwise stripes, blotches,
or speckles on the back. Belly ranges from plain white to
heavily blotched with dark pigment to plain black. Scales
smooth, in 19-25 rows. Anal plate single.
STATUS:
RANGE:
HABITAT: Diverse: New Jersey pine barrens
to Florida Everglades; dry rocky wooded hillsides to river
swamps and coastal marshes, and prairie, desert, and chaparral;
sea level to 6,900' (2,100 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: Snakes - including rattlesnakes,
Copperheads, and coral snakes - as well as lizards, mice, birds,
and eggs. |
