Page 25 - Arkansas Snake Guide

SUZANNE COLLINS TERRESTRIAL SNAKES
Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Range Almost statewide, apparently absent east of the
White River.
Description Smooth, shiny scales. A brown, brown-gray
or tan snake, patterned with darker brown or red-brown
dark-edged, saddle-shaped blotches and bands. Top of
head usually displays backward-pointing arrowhead mark.
Old adults often become very dark. Belly is white or
yellow with dark rectangular markings. Young patterned
like adults, but more brightly colored. Adults average 30-
42 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits Occurs in open forests, pastures
and prairie habitats. Active by day from March-October;
nocturnal during hot summer months. Mates in spring, lays
5-17 eggs that hatch August-September. A constrictor
that eats rodents, lizards and small snakes.
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