Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
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 a…
How to identify
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.
Range
The speckled kingsnake is endemic to the southern United States. Its range extends from southern Iowa down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitat
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.
Variations
The Lampropeltis getula holbrooki is found in Iowa.
Similar species
The Pantherophis obsoletus goes by a lot of common names such as western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, and black snake. They grow up to 8ft and are considered the longest non-venomous snakes in North America. They are glossy black with white spots around its lips. Its underbelly is whitish. The eastern indigo snake or Drymarchon couperi is considered the longest native non-venomous snake in the United States at about 8ft. They are shiny blueish black.
Name and etymology
Holbrooki: Honoring John Edward Holbrook.
At a glance
Range
The speckled kingsnake is endemic to the southern United States. Its range extends from southern Iowa down to the Gulf of Mex…
Habitat
The speckled kingsnake is predominantly found in grasslands. They occur in fields, pastures, stream valleys and grasslands al…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap