Lampropeltis getula
common kingsnake

Common kingsnakes, Lampropeltis getula, are found in North America from the Atlanic coast to the Pacific coast. In the East, this species is found from New Jersy to Florida; in the midwest, from Nebraska to the Gulf of Mexico; and in the West, from Oregon to the tip of Baja California. Common kingsnakes are also found throughout northern and central Mexico. (Bartlet and Tennant, 2000)

Common kingsnakes inhabit a wide range of habitats. They can be found in grassland, forests, marshes, valleys, woodland, farmlands, deserts, chaparral, and river bottoms. Common kingsnakes prefer to remain hidden, and one can often find them under rocks, logs, boards, and dense vegetation. (Bartlet and Tennant, 2000)

Common kingsnakes show great variation in color patterns across the range of the species. There are between 7 and 10 subspecies of common kingsnake, all of which are easily distinguished by their distinct color patterns. Eastern kingsnakes (L. getula getula) are black with yellow chain markings, thus giving them another name--chain kingsnake. Black kingsnakes (L. getula niger) and Mexican black kingsnakes are solid black in color. Flordia kingsnakes (L. getula floridana) are rich brown with yellow speckles covering their scales. Desert kingsnakes (L. getula splendida) are similar to Eastern kingsnakes, but have a black mask over the head and are more yellow. California kingsnakes (L. getula californiae) have the greatest color variation of all the subspecies. California kingsnakes come in black or brown banded versions with white, cream, or yellow alternating bands. These colors also appear in the striped morph of California kingsnakes. Speckled kingsnakes (L. getula holbrooki) are very similar in color to desert kingsnakes, but each black scale of speckled kingsnakes has a yellow center.

Common kingsnakes have large, round eyes with round pupils. The scales are smooth, shiny, and appear highly polished. There are from 19 to 25 rows of scales at the midbody. The anal scale, located at the vent, is one entire scale. The subcaudal scales are divided. (Bartlet and Tennant, 2000)

Information is not available.

Information is not available.

Common kingsnakes are diurnal, and they are occasionally active at night. Most of them are terrestrial, but they will climb low branches and shrubs. Common kingsnakes are well suited for life on the ground, but they are good climbers, and excellent swimmers. When disturbed, California kingsnakes often musk. They will also smear an aggressor with fecal matter when handled. In addition, some common kingsnakes have been reported to roll into a ball when disturbed. (Brown 1997) (Brown, 1997)

Home Range

Information on the home range of these animals is not available.

Information on the communication and perception of this species is not available.

Common kingsnakes are ophiophagous. They use constriction as a means to subdue prey. Common kingsnakes prey upon mammals, small turtles, birds and their eggs, reptile eggs, other harmless snakes, lizards, frogs, and rattlesnakes (Sistrurus and Crotalus species). Common kingsnakes have even been known to be cannabalistic. (Bauchot, 1997)

Information on predation in this species is not available. However, there are reports that common kingsnakes will musk or cover a potential predator with fecal material. (Brown, 1997)

Common kingsnakes are valuable creatures to the ecosystem. They control rodent populations, and keep the frog populations in check. Many people are pleased that common kingsnakes prey upon rattlesnakes. These snakes are also important as prey for hawks, coyotes, and other apex predators.

Common kingsnakes do not adversely affect humans.

Humans benefit from kingsnakes because of their role in the ecosystem. Kingsnakes control rodent and frog populations, in addition to killing rattlesnakes. Besides these benefits to humans, common kingsnakes are also used in the pet trade.

Lampropeltis getula is not a conservation concern.

Common kingsnakes make excellent pets. They are eager feeders, live comfortably in a 20 gallon tank, and are easy to breed. Their docile disposition makes them ideal for children and anyone interested in herpetology. Captive bred specimens are inexpensive and parasite free. Wild caught snakes usually do not live as long, and may have an ill disposition, plus the risk of parasite infestation is high. ("kingsnake.com", 1999)