Coast Mountain Kingsnake
ExploreReptiles
Coast Mountain Kingsnake
lampropeltis multifasciata
The Coast Mountain Kingsnake is a stunningly vibrant reptile native to the montane and coastal regions of the western United States. Renowned for its brilliant tricolor pattern of red, black, and white bands, this secretive snake is a true crown jewel of western herpetofauna. It is highly valued by nature enthusiasts for its striking appearance and elusive nature. Though completely harmless to humans, its mimicry of venomous species provides a fascinating lesson in evolutionary defense. It spends much of its life hidden away, making any sighting a memorable event.
Habitat: Found in damp, rocky canyons and coniferous or mixed-oak forests of coastal and mountain regions, often near streams or under rotting logs.
Appearance
This slender snake typically measures between 50 to 100 centimeters in length and is instantly recognizable by its bold, repeating pattern of red, black, and white or cream-colored rings. The red bands are bordered on both sides by black, which separates them from the white bands. It has smooth, glossy scales that give it a polished appearance, a small head that is barely wider than its neck, and dark, round eyes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassReptiliaOrderSquamataFamilyColubridaeGenusLampropeltis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Their mimicry of coral snakes is considered a 'ghost mimicry' in northern regions, as actual coral snakes do not overlap in their range.
They are highly fossorial, spending up to ninety-five percent of their lives hidden beneath the leaf litter, soil, or rocks.
When threatened, they may vibrate their tails against dry leaves to produce a buzzing sound that mimics a rattlesnake.
Special abilities
Ability
Batesian Mimicry
Displays bright warning coloration mimicking venomous coral snakes to discourage potential predators, despite being completely harmless.
Ability
Venom Resistance
Possesses a natural immunity to the venom of local pit vipers, allowing it to safely hunt and consume rattlesnakes.
Ability
Powerful Constriction
Utilizes tight body coils to exert high pressure on prey, quickly cutting off circulatory flow before ingestion.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 50-100 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.4 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-9
- Incubation
- 50-65 days
Diet & Feeding
A specialized carnivore that feeds on lizards, small mammals, and other snakes, utilizing constriction to subdue its prey.
Age differences: Juveniles consume mostly small lizards and salamanders, while adults take larger prey like rodents and other snakes.
Primary Foods
- Western Fence Lizard
- Deer Mouse
- Western Rattlesnake
- Ensatina Salamander
Foraging Method
- Constriction
Ecological connections
hunts
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Preyed upon by the kingsnake, which is immune to its potent hemotoxic venom.
hunts
Western Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis
A common reptilian prey species for both juvenile and adult kingsnakes.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A formidable aerial predator that hunts kingsnakes in open clearings.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
California Mountain KingsnakeLampropeltis zonata
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Coast Mountain Kingsnake?
The easiest way to identify Coast Mountain Kingsnake is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Coast Mountain Kingsnake?
50-100 cm
How much does Coast Mountain Kingsnake weigh?
0.1-0.4 kg
How long does Coast Mountain Kingsnake live?
10-20 years
How fast can Coast Mountain Kingsnake move?
5 km/h
What does Coast Mountain Kingsnake eat?
A specialized carnivore that feeds on lizards, small mammals, and other snakes, utilizing constriction to subdue its prey.
Where is Coast Mountain Kingsnake usually found?
Found in damp, rocky canyons and coniferous or mixed-oak forests of coastal and mountain regions, often near streams or under rotting logs.
How does Coast Mountain Kingsnake hunt?
Constriction
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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