Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getulus holbrooki

CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata
SUBORDER: Serpentes
FAMILY: Colubridae

SIZE:
Up to 82 inches in length

RANGE:
North America; statewide in Louisiana

HABITAT:
All types of habitats, most abundant in moist situations

DIET:
Wild - Birds, mice, snakes (including venomous varieties), rats
Zoo - Rats and mice

DESCRIPTION:
Long, shiny black color with a pattern of small light-colored spots, some dorsal spots fused to form narrow cross-bands in all juveniles and some adults; belly light with black markings; anal plate divided.

FACTS:
Able to kill and eat venomous snakes as well as other snakes. Also called common kingsnake.

YOUNG:
5 - 17 eggs laid in June and July, hatching in July and August.

STATUS:
Not threatened

REFERENCE:
"The Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana," Harold A. Dundee and Douglas A. Rossman