Kenneth L. Krysko photos.

Scientific name: Lampropeltis getula getula

Description: Average adult size is 36-48 inches (91.4-121.9 cm), record is 82 inches (208.2 cm). Adults are brownish to black, with 32 or fewer yellowish dorsal crossbands and a lateral chain-like pattern. The belly may have a checkerboard or solid black pattern. The scales are smooth, and there are usually 21 dorsal scale rows at midbody (some individuals have 23). The pupil is round. Juvenile coloration is like that of adults.

Eastern kingsnake. Left to right: Top of the head (notice the large plate-like scales on the top of the head); underside of the head (chin and throat).

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

Range: In Florida, it is found in the northern peninsula from Alachua Co. north and west into the panhandle, excluding the Apalachicola Lowlands. It intergrades (interbreeds) with the Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) from Nassau Co. in the northern peninsula south to Pinellas Co. in the central peninsula. Outside of Florida, it is found from southern Alabama to southern New Jersey.

Habitat: Uncommon, it is found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, and estuaries. Like the Florida kingsnake, its populations have declined drastically the last few decades, yet it may still be locally abundant.

Comments: , and seldom bites. The eastern kingsnake is mainly terrestrial and active during the day. In the summer months individuals may be found moving at night.

It feeds on other snakes, lizards, frogs, rodents, and birds and their eggs. It eats venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes, and is immune to their venom. It is even known to be cannibalistic, eating its own kind.

It lays eggs. It is primarily active from March-May, when breeding takes place. In the early summer, 3-29 eggs are laid. Newborns from 5-8 inches (12.7-20.3 cm) hatch in late summer.

Comparison with other species: The Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) has more than 40 light body crossbands, lightening of the black interband scales with age, a degenerate lateral chain-like pattern, and usually 23 dorsal scale rows at midbody.

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