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Chain King Snake
Lampropeltis getula
31.15, -81.4915
Field Notes
Description:
Is a harmless colubrid species found in the United States and Mexico. A distinct color pattern and the fact that this species actively hunts for venomous snakes help to protect them from people. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Eight subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Adult specimens can range from 51 to 197 cm (20 to 78 in) in length.[6][7] Speckled Kingsnakes are the smallest race on average, at 91.5 cm (36.0 in) (in snout-to-vent length) on average, while the nominate is the largest, at 107 cm (42 in) on average.[7] Specimens up to 208.2 cm (82 inches) have been recorded.[8] Weight can vary from 285 g (10.1 oz) in a small specimen of87.2 cm (34.3 in) in length, to 2,268 g (5.00 lb) in large specimens, of over 153 cm (60 in) in length.[9][7]
The color pattern consists of a glossy black, blue-black or dark brown ground color overlaid with a series of 23-52 white chain-like rings.[4][10] King snakes from the Coastal Plain have wider bands, while those found in mountainous areas have thinner bands or may be completely black.
Habitat:
Found in the United States in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, portions of Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, south and southwest Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, southern and western Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, southern Ohio, southeastern Oklahoma, southern Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, southern Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Also found in northern Mexico, including all of Baja California [Hubbs, 2009].
Open areas are preferred, particularly grassland, but also chaparral, oak woodland, abandoned farms, desert, low mountains, sand, and any type of riparian zone, including swamps, canals and streams [Hubbs, 2009].
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