Eastern Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis
getula getula) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: This is a large snake that
grows to lengths of 36-48 in. (90-122 cm). It is a shiny black
snake with series of thin, white to cream crossbars or spots on
the back. The belly is covered with alternating black and white
patches. Juveniles are patterned like adults. Mating presumably
takes place in the spring. Known egg laying dates in Virginia
are between 16 and 22 June. Clutch size is 9-17. The kingsnake
may discharge musk from glands at the base of the tail and
vibrate its tail when disturbed. It may also coil itself into a
ball and hide its head in the coil. This species is terrestrial,
and is most often found under surface objects, such as boards,
logs, tar paper, and car hoods. Kingsnakes are diurnal, but are
occasionally found on roads at dusk.
STATUS:
RANGE: This snake is widespread in the
Coastal Plain and Piedmont of Virginia. It also occurs in the
Potomac River drainage in northern Virginia west of the Blue
Ridge Mountains.
HABITAT: It inhabits a variety
of different habitats, including hardwood forest, mixed
pine-hardwood forest, pine forest, abandoned fields, margins of
hardwood swamps and freshwater marshes, and along creeks and
streams.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: Eastern gartersnake, northern
watersnake, ringneck snake, smooth earthsnake, wormsnake,
eastern five-lined skink, and white-footed mouse. |
