Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

The Prairie Kingsnake is a friendly snake that loves to explore grasslands. It has beautiful patterns that help it blend in with its surroundings, making it a great little hunter!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Prairie Kingsnake is a medium-sized snake with a slender body, featuring a tan or light brown base color. It has distinctive dark brown or reddish-brown blotches, often H-shaped, down its back. Its smooth scales and pointed head give it a sleek appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusLampropeltis

Photo: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, MissouriCC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

Prairie Kingsnake

Interesting facts

Prairie Kingsnakes are excellent burrowers, often hiding under logs or rocks.

These harmless snakes are often confused with venomous rattlesnakes by mistake.

They are called "Kingsnakes" because they eat other snakes, even venomous ones!

When threatened, they might shake their tail rapidly to sound like a rattlesnake!

Special abilities

Prairie Kingsnake can constrict its prey because it has powerful body muscles that help them capture and overpower their meals.

Prairie Kingsnake can burrow because of its streamlined body and smooth scales that help them dig into soft soil for shelter.

Prairie Kingsnake has a tail-rattling behavior that helps them scare away predators by mimicking venomous rattlesnakes.

Measurements & details

Length: 76-122 cm
Weight: 0.2-0.5 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Speed: 5 km/h
Clutch Size: 6-20
Incubation: 50-70 days

Diet & Feeding

These kingsnakes are mighty hunters, eating rodents, lizards, and even other snakes!

Primary Foods

Mice
Voles
Lizards
Other Snakes
Bird Eggs

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

Hunts

deer mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

A primary small mammal prey item in its habitat.

Hunts

meadow vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

Commonly consumed rodent, helping control their populations.

Hunts

common garter snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

One of several snake species that Prairie Kingsnakes prey on.

Eaten by

red-tailed hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Young or smaller kingsnakes can fall prey to raptors.

Traits

Spotted

Marked with spots or patches of a different color.

Striped

Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Grassland

Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

Carnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Reptiles

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a snake, it's best to watch from a distance and not touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Prairie Kingsnake?

Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Prairie Kingsnake?

76-122 cm

How much does Prairie Kingsnake weigh?

0.2-0.5 kg

How long does Prairie Kingsnake live?

10-15 years

How fast can Prairie Kingsnake move?

5 km/h

What does Prairie Kingsnake eat?

These kingsnakes are mighty hunters, eating rodents, lizards, and even other snakes!

Where is Prairie Kingsnake usually found?

Grasslands