Page 26 - Arkansas Snake Guide

TERRESTRIAL SNAKES

SUZANNE COLLINS
Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Range Statewide.
Description Smooth, shiny scales. Body is black or
dark brown, speckled with yellow or white spots. Spots
sometimes form narrow bars on the back. Belly is yellow,
patterned with irregular rectangular black markings. Young
resemble adults. Adults average 36-48 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits Habitats include swamps,
bottomland hardwood forests, marshes, prairies, pastures
and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Active from March-
November. Breeds in early spring, lays 6-14 eggs under
logs, stumps, rocks or decaying plant material. Eggs hatch in
late summer months. Like all kingsnakes, it is a constrictor
and eats rodents, lizards, birds and other snakes. Noted for
its ability to eat venomous snakes.

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