Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Lampropeltis, Species: L. getula
Found primarily in the eastern and southeastern United States, ranging from New Jersey south to Florida, and west to southeastern Nebraska, eastern Texas, and parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Look up Eastern Kingsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Lampropeltis, Species: L. getula
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations face local threats primarily from habitat loss, fragmentation, and vehicular mortality on roads.
Physical Description
Glossy black or dark brown body marked with narrow, chain-like yellowish or white crossbands that form a distinct chain pattern along the back and sides. The head is relatively small and continuous with the neck, featuring light labial markings. Scales are smooth and glossy.
Size & Dimensions
Adult specimen length typically ranges from 90 to 120 cm (35 to 47 inches), with maximum recorded lengths approaching 208 cm (82 inches).
Habitat
Inhabits a wide variety of habitats including pine flatwoods, prairies, agricultural lands, coastal areas, swamps, and margins of streams and rivers. Typically found under logs, bark, boards, and other surface cover.
Diet & Feeding
Preys upon a wide variety of vertebrates including rodents, birds, lizards, eggs, and other snakes. Utilizes constricting behavior to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species, laying clutches typically ranging from 3 to 30 eggs during the late spring or early summer. Females often select rotting logs or underground burrows as egg-deposition sites.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations face local threats primarily from habitat loss, fragmentation, and vehicular mortality on roads.
Cultural Significance
Frequently kept in captivity due to its striking appearance. Highly valued in natural ecosystems for controlling rodent populations and other snake populations.
Notable Features
Known for a high degree of immunity to the natural defense mechanisms of various other serpents within its ecosystem, allowing it to prey on a wide range of specialized snake species.