Kenneth L. Krysko photo.

Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster occipitolineata

Description: Average adult size is believed to be similar to the mole kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata). Adults are tannish-gray, with more than 52 black-bordered reddish-brown body blotches. There are smaller reddish-brown blotches on the sides between the larger mid-dorsal blotches. The belly is checkered or clouded brown. The neck is indistinct. There is a light colored Y-shaped pattern on the back of the head and neck. There is a dark line through the eye. The scales are smooth., and there are 21-23 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round.

Juvenile coloration is similar to that of adults, but may be slightly darker.

South Florida mole kingsnake: Top of the head (notice the large plate-like scales on the top of the head).

South Florida mole kingsnake: Left to right: Side of the head; front (face view) of the head.

Range: In Florida, there have been isolated reports in the peninsula from Brevard Co. south to Lake Okeechobee and west to DeSoto County. It is not found outside of Florida.

Habitat: Rare, it has been found near pinelands, hardwood hammocks, prairies, cattle pastures, and agricultural fields.

Comments: . The South Florida mole kingsnake is a terrestrial burrower, active mainly at night. It has been found under boards, around plowed fields, and crossing roads at night. Because of its fossorial behavior, less than 40 specimens have been recorded.

It feeds on lizards, rodents, and other snakes.

It lays eggs. No natural nests have been recorded and no newborns have been field collected, possibly due to their fossorial behavior. Captivity records indicate that breeding occurs in the spring, with newborns around 4-5 inches (10.1-12.7 cm) hatching in late summer.

Comparison with other species: The corn snake (Elaphe guttata) has a distinct neck, light spear-shaped pattern on the back of the head and neck, and black and white checkerboard patterned belly.

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