California Kingsnake: Lampropeltis getulus californiae
In the Wild
Description:
 Generally black or brown with white or yellow bands running the entire length of their
bodies though they can vary widely in color and pattern
o The bands differ in number and width
o Some have stripes that run from head to tail. Stripes are much less common than
bands. Sometimes the stripes are broken up into dot-dashes or even separated
into spots.
 Size: 2.5 to 4 ft
 Weight: Up to 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms)
Habitat and Range:
 Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
 Lives in rocky outcrops, semi-desert, brushy hillsides or pine forests
 Mostly terrestrial (ground-dwellers), though they will climb low branches and shrubs
Diet:
 Carnivorous: Prey mainly upon rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes
Adaptations:
 Constrictor
o Grab prey with their teeth and wrap coils of their body around the prey and
squeeze
o Don’t crush the prey and break bones but rather squeeze tightly so that the prey
cannot breathe and suffocates
o Can unhinge their jaw to swallow the prey whole utilizing rhythmic muscular
contractions that pull the prey down into the snake’s throat and stomach
o Special tube on the bottom of its mouth stays open to one side so the snake can
breathe while swallowing
 Highly sensitive forked tongue is used as a sensory organ
 Variations in color and pattern may break up the snake's body outline so it is less
noticeable to predators
Lifespan:
 20 to 30 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators:
o Nocturnal predators such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes,
o Birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, as well as coyotes, bobcats and even
other types of kingsnakes
 Many are killed accidentally by passing cars or intentionally by fearful humans
 Make a tremendous contribution to rodent control in the rural areas they inhabit
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California Kingsnake: Lampropeltis getulus californiae
Reproduction:
 Breed in late spring and summer
 Females lay eggs in rotting wood or beneath rocks and logs, where conditions are
relatively warm and humid
o Lay 3 to 13 eggs per clutch
o After laying the eggs, females leave and do not provide any parental care
 Eggs hatch after 2 to 3 months
o Each hatchling is only a few inches long when it leaves the egg, looking like a
miniature version of the adults
Activity:
 Crepuscular, but may switch to nocturnal during hot, summer months
Other “fun facts”:
 All kingsnakes are native to the western hemisphere
 The “king” in their name refers to their willingness to eat other snakes, even venomous
ones, including rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths. Kingsnakes are able to eat
venomous snakes because they are highly resistant to their venom.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 They are considered stable and widespread. However, it is important to conserve their
habitat to maintain population levels, especially since they are so important for rodent
control.
 Commonly bred for the pet trade
At the Zoo
Elvis hatched in 2010 and was purchased from a dealer as a juvenile in 2011.
What We Can Do


Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy
o Opt for fake leather or snake skin products
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual. Captive-bred species
are often easy to find.
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
References:
 http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-kingsnake.html
 http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/animals/california-king-snake/
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California Kingsnake: Lampropeltis getulus californiae
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http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/eastern-milksnake/
http://www.oaklandzoo.org/California_King_Snake.php
http://www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/assets/uploads/animals/pdf/CaliforniaKingSnak
e.pdf
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