Speckled Kingsnake

Range

The speckled kingsnake is endemic to the southern United States. Its range extends from southern Iowa down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Habitats

The speckled kingsnake is predominantly found in grasslands. They occur in fields, pastures, stream valleys and grasslands along the edges of forests. They are diurnal during spring and fall and become nocturnal in summer. They're rather passive snakes although individuals have been known to bite when picked up. They like other kingsnakes are constrictors who feed on small mammals, birds, eggs, frogs, lizards and poisonous snakes. They are oviparous, laying a clutch size of 13 eggs in June and July. These eggs hatch in September.

Identification

These non-venomous snakes grow up to 36 to 48 inches. They have shiny black scales with yellow, yellowish-green and white spots on each scale on its body. The spots are arranged randomly on different individuals. The underside is white or yellow with black blotches. Sometimes the underside is more of black than whitish. Its scales are smooth and its anal plates are single.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians