Chihuahuan Mountain Kingsnake

Range

Southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, stretching south into northwestern Mexico.

Habitats

This snake is primarily found in mountainous woodlands, and occasionally in surrounding semi-desert grasslands. It is a good climber, but is most often observed on the forest floor, rocky outcrops, or within rock crevices.

Identification

This nonvenomous kingsnake mimics the venomous coral snake with its color pattern. It boasts a striking pattern of orange, black, and white bands, only differing from the coral snake by replacing yellow bands with white bands. The bands are arranged with black bands separating the orange and white bands. It is a thin-bodied snake reaching about 3.5 feet in length. It has a narrow head with a slightly defined neck. Its ventrum is white with dark spots. Its face is typically white with a black cap on the top of the head between the eyes.

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