California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis californiae
33.0026, -116.915
Field Notes
Description:
A beautiful adult snake about 4 feet long. It is a banded brown and pale yellow snake that camouflages well in leaf litter and grasses. Video here: https://youtu.be/LX4f6EfBVck
When stressed, it shakes its tail to mimic a Rattlesnake. This species has many different color and pattern possibilities such as barred or striped and black with white or brown with cream or yellow.
Habitat:
Evening after a hot day in Oak Woodland among grass and rocks. This species is found throughout most of the state except the highest elevations and most of the islands. It is also found in southern Oregon, Baja California and Sonora Mexico.
Notes:
The Kingsnake eats small rodents, eggs and other snakes including Rattlesnakes. They are immune to their venom.
iPhone series
Reference Links:
California Kingsnake - Lampropeltis californiae
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJune 18, 2017
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