Range verification provided by Paul Hyder (NMSU) and supplemented by Dona Ana County distribution maps in: Williamson, M.A., P.W. These snakes are among our largest species. Desert Kingsnake (Lapropeltis getulus splendida) Size: Up to 6.5 feet but more commonly around 3-4 feet. A fairly conspicuous snake that moves rather slowly, the eastern kingsnake is easily killed or captured. These snakes can grow to 3 1/2 feet long. Habitat & Range The Desert kingsnake is native to Arizona, but now occupies the Western United States and northern Mexico. This species prefers rocky desert terrain, and in Utah, it lives only in the Mojave Desert, in the extreme southwestern corner of the state. Learn some facts about this dangerous snake and how to recognize its distinctive sound and forceful strike. The Eastern Kingsnake is South Carolina's version of the speices Lampropeltis getula. Identification Desert kingsnakes vary in color but generally have a black base with yellow-white rings that range in width. State Gap Analysis Projects created maps for 165 mapped species of mammals in California. Mammals. Applegarth. Some snakes live exclusively in the desert. It is an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in these ecoregions: Coast Range, Columbia Plateau, East Cascades, Klamath Mountains, and West Cascades. Others can live in a range of environments, from rocky plains high above sea level to grasslands and deserts, and everywhere in between. Nine subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. It inhabits open areas such as deserts, grasslands, woodlands, abandoned farms and low mountains. Distinguishing Features. Other common names: desert kingsnake, black kingsnake, California kingsnake Spanish names: culebra. A female kingsnake lays up to 12 eggs, which all stick together underground in soil with plenty of moisture. They are powerful constrictors. (z = The species is known to occur in the state, but no Gap map was created) Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, or chain kingsnake (), is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States and Mexico.It has long been a favorite among collectors. Range in Texas: Throughout west and central Texas and as far south as Dimmit County.In the Eastern portions of its range interbreeding occurs with the Speckled Kingsnake (L.g.holbrooki).Comments: Like all "common kingsnakes", the Desert Kingsnake is the mortal … The sidewinder rattlesnake is named due to the way it moves. Page 2, this page, illustrates some other naturally-occurring … Many Alabamians recognize the species and refrain from killing it, but others believe the only good snake is a dead snake. The desert kingsnake, or Lampropeltis getula splendida, has a black head and a dark body with yellow or white bars.Breeding occurs in April and May, and egg laying occurs in the following two months. Agriculture, silviculture, and urbanization are the greatest causes of habitat loss. Pictures and information about this snake and its habitat have been put on three pages: Page 1, the main page, shows to see pictures of the more common banded form of the California Kingsnake, plus a range map, a species description and natural history information, references, and links to more information. The California mountain kingsnake preys upon snakes, lizards, birds and their eggs, and some small mammals. Hyder, J.S. Sidewinder Rattlesnake. A long, slender, harmless snake, the common kingsnake reaches lengths of approximately 3¼ feet (100 cm) in … Adults usually range from 36 to 60 inches in length. 1994. Snakes That Camouflage in The Desert. 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