Lampropeltis getulus getulus
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photo by John White
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getulus getulus
Home Back to the Snakes
photo by John White
| Species Description: The
eastern kingsnake reaches an adult length of about 4 ft. Often called 'chain
snakes' or 'chain kings' because of the white chain-like markings on their
body, this snake is easily recognized. They have smooth scales and a single
anal plate. This snake is somewhat similar looking to the black rat snake,
however the king snake has very distinct white bands running across the
back. Aptly named, kingsnakes are notorious for feeding on other snakes,
even rattlesnakes!! They will also eat lizards and rodents.
Habitat: This species is mainly terrestrial, but tends to hang out around the margins of streams, marshes, and swamps. This is probably because they tend to feed on water snakes and turtle eggs quite often.. Breeding Activity: Juveniles are miniatures of the adults in coloration. Range: Eastern kings are fairly rare in West Virginia,
only found in the eastern panhandle. Look for them around barns and along
the margins of streams.
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Page created by Jeff Humphries.
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Last updated June 2001