- Desert Kingsnake
Sonoran Kingsnake
- Lampropeltis getula splendida
- Size:
- Hatchling: 7 - 10 in..
- Adult: 36 - 45 in. (record is 60 in.)
- Scalation:
- Dorsal: 23 - 25 near mid-body
- Ventral: 199 - 237
- Sub caudal: 40 - 62
- Infra labial: 9 - 10
- Supra labial: 7 - 8
- Anal Plate: Single
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Image courtesy Martin Schmidt
click to enlarge |
Written by Gerald Keown
Coloration:
- Head:
The head is black. The labials are pale colored with wide
vertical lines.
- Dorsal:
The overall dorsal coloration is dark brown or black. The
lateral scales are heavily speckled with yellow. There are 20 to
42 moderately to poorly defined dark rectangular saddles. These
saddles are seperated by yellow speckled crosslines, 2 to 3
scales in width.
- Ventral:
The belly is essentially black.
Behavior:
A nocturnal species, usually active only during the late
afternoon and evening hours. It is secretive, spending much of
its time hiding beneath logs and debris. When encountered in the
wild it is a very nervous animal, vibrating its tail rapidly and
putting on a valiant defensive display. Recently captured
specimens defecate and discharge a foul smelling musk when
handled. In captivity, most Desert Kingsnakes calm down and do
very well. This species was formerly known as the Sonoran
Kingsnake. Contrary to what both common names would lead you to
believe, this kingsnake is not a true arid land dweller. While
it may occasionally be found in arid areas, it is much more
abundant in Mesquite covered brush land, generally not far from
some source of water.
Breeding:
Breeding occurs during April and May. During June and
July clutches of 5 to 12 adhesive shelled eggs, each measuring
about3/4 x 1 1/2 inches, are laid underground in loose moist
soil. Hatching occurs from late August through early October.
Range:
Central and south Texas westward, across southern New Meico,
to southeastern Arizona, southward to San Luis Potosi and
Zacatecas, Mexico. In Mexico it ranges as far west as Sonora.
It intergrades with Lampropeltis g. holbrooki in eastern and
northern parts of its range and with Lampropeltis g. californiae
and Lampropletis g. nigritus in Arizona and Sonora,
Mexico.
Prey:
The Desert Kingsnake is a powerful constrictor feeding upon
other snakes (including rattlesnakes), lizards, birds and small
mammals. On occasions it has also been reported to feed upon
frogs. It appears to be immune to the venom of native venomous
snakes, upon which it feeds.
Literature Cited:
Conant, R. and J. Collins. 1991. Reptiles and Amphibians of
Eastern & Central North America 3rd edition. Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA.
Markel, R. G. 1990. Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. T.F.H.
Publications. Neptune City, NJ.
Tennant, A. 1985. A Field Guide to Texas Snakes. Gulf
Publishing Co. Houston, Tx.
Vermersch, T. G. and R. E. Kuntz. Snakes of South-Central
Texas. Eakin Press. Austin, TX.
Gallery Photo by DerekB
Click to Enlarge |
Gallery Photo by Br8knitOFF
Click to Enlarge |
Gallery Photo by Don Shores
Click to Enlarge |
Gallery Photo by Don Shores
Click to Enlarge |
hypomelanistic hatchling
Gallery Photo by Don Shores
Click to Enlarge |
anerythristic or axanthic
Gallery Photo by Don Shores
Click to Enlarge |
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