Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Lampropeltis, Species: Lampropeltis triangulum
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada (Ontario and Quebec) through the northeastern and central United States, as far south as Alabama and as far west as Minnesota.
Look up Eastern Milksnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Lampropeltis, Species: Lampropeltis triangulum
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN); however, they are often killed due to confusion with other snakes or suffer from habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Slender body with smooth, shiny scales. The pattern consists of grey or tan ground color with dark brown or reddish-brown blotches outlined in black. A distinctive Y- or V-shaped light marking is usually present on the back of the head/neck. Eyes have round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be an adult, approximately 60-90 cm in length. Adults typically range from 61 to 91 cm (24-36 inches), with a record length of about 132 cm.
Habitat
Generalist species found in forests, open woodlands, rocky hillsides, fields, and suburban areas. They are frequently found under cover objects like logs, rocks, or debris and prefer elevations from sea level to over 1,200 meters.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers that use constriction to kill prey. They eat a wide variety of animals including mice, voles, small birds, eggs, and other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 2 to 17 elliptical eggs in early summer, which hatch in late summer or early fall. No parental care is provided after laying.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, they are often killed due to confusion with other snakes or suffer from habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Named 'milksnake' due to a false folk myth that they would sneak into barns to suck milk from cows. Ecologically beneficial as they control rodent populations.
Notable Features
Member of the kingsnake genus, which will occasionally prey upon local pit vipers. The smooth, glossy scales are a key diagnostic feature.