Mole Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis
calligaster rhombomaculata) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: This is a smooth, shiny snake
that grows to lengths of 30-40 in. (76-102 cm). The adult is
yellowish to olive-brown with small reddish-brown blotches down
the back, alternating with smaller blotches on the sides. Each
blotch has a narrow black border. The belly is yellowish-brown
with indistinct brown spots. The juvenile is similar to the
adult but the blotches are dark-edged and more vivid on young
snakes, becoming indistinct with age. Older individuals may be a
solid brown color. The females are oviparous and deposit 10-12
eggs. The eggs adhere to each other in clusters and hatch in the
late summer. Mating probably takes place in spring and fall,
although no records have been recorded in the literature.
STATUS:
RANGE: It enters the Blue Ridge
Province in the Roanoke River Valley but apparently does not
occur west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has not been found in
southeastern Virginia east of Southampton Co. or on the Eastern
Shore.
HABITAT: This species is subterranean
and nocturnal. This species is usually seen when it is plowed up
on farmland, after heavy rains, or at night when crossing a
road. Although it can burrow into sandy and loamy soils, it
probably uses rodent burrows and rotting tree root passageways
when available.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: Mice, snakes and lizards.
They will also take small frogs and toads, moles and shrews, and
grasshoppers. |
