Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster
A secretive, moderately patterned kingsnake of grasslands and open woods, often mistaken for a young rat snake or gopher snake.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.75-1.1 m (2.5-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Central and southeastern United States
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Overview
The Prairie Kingsnake is a moderately sized, non-venomous colubrid found across the central and southeastern United States, particularly in grassland and open woodland habitats. It is closely related to other members of the kingsnake genus but is generally more secretive and fossorial.
Its subdued blotched pattern and burrowing habits make it far less conspicuous than many of its more boldly patterned kingsnake relatives.
How to identify it
- Tan, grey, or light brown background with a series of dark brown or grey blotches down the back, sometimes faded in older adults
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Head only slightly distinct from the neck with round pupils
- Slender to moderately stocky body
- Distinguished from rat snakes by smoother scales and rounder body, and from gopher snakes by smaller size and different range
Habitat & range
Inhabits prairies, open woodlands, agricultural fields, and pastures across the central and southeastern United States, frequently found underground or beneath surface debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Highly secretive and fossorial, spending much of its time underground or under cover objects, becoming more active at night in warm weather. It preys on rodents, other reptiles, and amphibians, subduing prey by constriction. It is oviparous, laying eggs in early summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Prairie Kingsnake venomous?
No, it is a non-venomous constrictor.
Where is the Prairie Kingsnake found?
In grasslands and open woodlands across the central and southeastern United States.
Why is the Prairie Kingsnake rarely seen?
It is highly secretive and fossorial, spending much of its time underground or hidden under debris.
What does the Prairie Kingsnake eat?
Rodents, other reptiles, and amphibians.
Prairie Kingsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Prairie Kingsnake.
