Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
A largely uniform glossy black kingsnake found in the central and southeastern United States, sometimes showing faint traces of pattern.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Range
- Central and southeastern United States
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Overview
The Black Kingsnake is a non-venomous colubrid found across parts of the central and southeastern United States, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and surrounding states. It is closely related to other members of the eastern kingsnake complex.
Adults are typically almost entirely glossy black, with juveniles and some adults occasionally retaining faint traces of blotching or speckling reminiscent of related kingsnake forms.
How to identify it
- Predominantly glossy black body, sometimes with faint, barely visible yellow or white speckling especially in juveniles
- Smooth scales producing a shiny appearance
- Head only slightly distinct from the neck with round pupils
- Stocky, muscular kingsnake body
- Distinguished from the eastern kingsnake by lack of strong chain-like banding, appearing more uniformly black
Habitat & range
Found in forests, farmland, rocky hillsides, and river bottoms across its range in the central and southeastern United States, often sheltering under logs, rocks, and debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily diurnal to crepuscular, sheltering during the hottest parts of the day. It is a powerful constrictor feeding on rodents, other snakes, lizards, and bird eggs. It is oviparous, laying eggs in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Black Kingsnake venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
Why does the Black Kingsnake appear all black?
Its pattern has become largely obscured over evolutionary time, leaving mostly uniform glossy black scales with only faint traces of markings.
Where is the Black Kingsnake found?
In the central and southeastern United States, including areas like Kentucky and Tennessee.
Does the Black Kingsnake eat other snakes?
Yes, like other kingsnakes it will prey on other snakes as well as rodents and lizards.
Black Kingsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black Kingsnake.
Black Kingsnake identified by the community
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