Grey-Banded Kingsnake
ExploreReptiles
Grey-Banded Kingsnake
lampropeltis alterna
The Grey-Banded Kingsnake is a beautiful snake with striking gray and black bands. It loves to explore its surroundings and is a great friend to have in your backyard!
Habitat: Rocky and mountainous areas, often in dry regions.
Appearance
The Grey-Banded Kingsnake has a slender body with striking patterns of grey or tan scales, boldly marked by distinct, darker bands, often reddish-orange, outlined in black. Its head is usually dark with lighter markings, blending seamlessly with its body.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusLampropeltis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
They are amazing climbers, often scaling rocky cliffs to find warm basking spots!
This snake's scientific name, 'alterna', refers to its alternating colorful band patterns!
Threatened? They'll shake their tail like a rattlesnake, but they're not venomous!
Young kingsnakes eat small lizards; adults prefer rodents and other snakes.
Special abilities
Ability
Powerful Hugger
Grey-Banded Kingsnake can squeeze its prey tightly using powerful constriction, making it easier to eat.
Ability
Snake Eater Immunity
Grey-Banded Kingsnake has natural resistance to some snake venoms, allowing them to eat other snakes.
Ability
Rock Blocker Camouflage
Grey-Banded Kingsnake has banded patterns that help them blend perfectly with rocky desert environments.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-100 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 2 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-13
- Incubation
- 60-70 days
Diet & Feeding
A stealthy hunter, it dines on rodents, lizards, and even other snakes it catches!
Age differences: Young snakes eat smaller lizards and insects, while adults prey on rodents and other snakes.
Primary Foods
- rodents
- lizards
- other snakes
- small birds
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Preys on this venomous rattlesnake species.
hunts
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
A common prey item in its natural habitat.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Young snakes can be prey for these birds.
eaten by
Coyote
Canis latrans
An opportunistic predator of various snakes.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Alterna KingsnakeGray-Banded SnakeStriped Kingsnake
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always observe snakes from a distance and never attempt to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Grey-Banded Kingsnake?
60-100 cm
How much does Grey-Banded Kingsnake weigh?
0.2-0.5 kg
How long does Grey-Banded Kingsnake live?
10-20 years
How fast can Grey-Banded Kingsnake move?
2 km/h
What does Grey-Banded Kingsnake eat?
A stealthy hunter, it dines on rodents, lizards, and even other snakes it catches!
Where is Grey-Banded Kingsnake usually found?
Rocky and mountainous areas, often in dry regions.
How does Grey-Banded Kingsnake hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Grey-Banded Kingsnake lay?
3-13
Snap Map
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