_-_Flickr_-_2ndPeter.jpg&width=800)
Prairie Kingsnake
ExploreReptiles
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
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
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
Ability
Squeeze Power
Prairie Kingsnake can constrict its prey because it has powerful body muscles that help them capture and overpower their meals.
Ability
Underground Explorer
Prairie Kingsnake can burrow because of its streamlined body and smooth scales that help them dig into soft soil for shelter.
Ability
Venomous Mimic
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
- Top 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
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 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
How does Prairie Kingsnake hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Prairie Kingsnake lay?
6-20
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
