Kingsnake - Common

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Common King Snake Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula

Basic Info

There are many color variations and patterns for this kind of snake, though bands are common. The colors can include combinations of black, brown, cream, white and pale yellow depending on their habitat. There are also some minor variants of what the snake's bellies may look like. Some may have pure black bellies while others may only be mostly back. The average length for this snake is between 36 and 48 inches from nose to tail.

Health

Breeding The Breeding season for the Common Kingsnake goes from March to June, with clutches of 4 to 20 eggs being laid between the months of May and August. The incubation period can last from 41 to 87 days. The average hatchling, measuring between 8 and 13 inches when hatched, will take about three years to reach maturity.

Habitat

Marshes, deserts, grasslands, forests and woodlands are all places where this creature lives. Near rocky outcrops or clusters of plants and under rocks, logs or other debris, are favorite hiding places.

Behavior

The Common Kingsnake is generally considered to be a good pet to have by snake lovers. There are a number of subspecies of the Common Kingsnake, including the Arizona Desert Kingsnake, the Black Kingsnake of Mexico, the Yuma Kingsnake, and the California Kingsnake. They also should not be confused with Mountain Kingsnakes or Mexican Kingsnakes, which are two separate types of snake. The habitats that it has adapted to are also fairly diverse. The Kingsnake got its name because of the fact that aggressive and venomous snakes make up part of its diet, including the Rattlesnake, Copperhead and Coral Snakes. The venom is not a concern, since the Common Kingsnake is immune. One final but interesting note about the Common Kingsnake is its defensive posturing. If it feels threatened, it will hiss and shake the end of its tail (much like a Rattlesnake) before finally lashing out and striking at the aggressor. If it is attacked, the Common Kingsnake will musk its foe in the hopes of discouraging further aggression.

Origin

North America

History

N/A

Common Foods

feeds on lizards, birds, snakes, eggs, frogs, lizards and small mammals