Short-Tailed Kingsnake
Lampropeltis extenuata
A small, secretive Florida endemic with a slender body and reduced tail, rarely seen due to its burrowing habits.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (12-20 in)
- Range
- Central Florida, USA
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Overview
The Short-Tailed Kingsnake, sometimes called the short-tailed snake, is a diminutive species endemic to the sandy uplands of central Florida. Despite its small size and different common naming history, it is classified within the kingsnake genus based on genetic and morphological evidence.
It is rarely encountered due to its fossorial lifestyle, spending most of its time burrowed in loose, sandy soil.
How to identify it
- Slender body with a reduced, notably short tail relative to body length
- Reddish-brown to tan ground color with dark brown or black saddle-like blotches
- Smooth scales and a small, narrow head not distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- Look-alikes: other small Florida colubrids; its unusually short tail and sandy habitat association help identify it
Habitat & range
Restricted to well-drained, sandy uplands such as sandhill and scrub habitats in central Florida. It burrows extensively in loose sand and is rarely found on the surface.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Highly fossorial, spending most of its life underground, emerging mainly after rain or at night. It preys primarily on small fossorial reptiles such as skinks and other small snakes. Little is documented about its reproduction due to its secretive habits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Short-Tailed Kingsnake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and completely harmless.
Why is it so rarely seen?
It spends nearly all its time burrowed in sandy soil, only rarely surfacing.
Where is it found?
It is endemic to central Florida's sandy upland habitats.
What does it eat?
It primarily feeds on small burrowing lizards, especially skinks.
Short-Tailed Kingsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Short-Tailed Kingsnake.
