Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
A mostly black snake with yellow markings on its smooth, glossy scales. Usually a solid black back with yellow speckles on the sides, and a yellow ventrum with black patc…
How to identify
A mostly black snake with yellow markings on its smooth, glossy scales. Usually a solid black back with yellow speckles on the sides, and a yellow ventrum with black patches. Sometimes there are thin, jagged yellow bands across the back. The sides of its face have alternating black and yellow scales, creating a series of short vertical stripes. It averages 35-48 inches in length, but can reach up to 72 inches.
Range
East of the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains. From central Illinois and Indiana, southern Ohio and western West Virginia, down to eastern Louisiana.
Habitat
Very commonly encountered by people. It will live in a wide range of habitats, but prefers abandoned farm land and structures, piles of debris, and thick brush around swamps and streams.
Variations
Density of yellow speckling varies. Can be uniform speckling, or forming thin bands across the back. Some individuals have almost no speckling and are very black. The yellow coloration is sometimes more cream.
Similar species
Most similar in appearance to the desert kingsnake (*Lampropeltis splendida*), followed by the speckled kingsnake (*Lampropeltis holbrooki*). The eastern kingsnake (*Lampropeltis getula*) could look like this species as well.
Name and etymology
Nigra: Latin for black (niger).
At a glance
Range
East of the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains. From central Illinois and Indiana, southern Ohio and western West…
Habitat
Very commonly encountered by people. It will live in a wide range of habitats, but prefers abandoned farm land and structures…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap