Mexican Black Kingsnake
Mexican black kingsnake is a medium sized snake belonging to the colubrid family and a subspecies of the common kingsnake. This subspecies is quite different from the others in terms of behavior, coloration, and habitat preference. Its head is not distinct from the neck.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Squamata |
Family | Colubridae |
Genus | Lampropeltis |
Species | Lampropeltis getula |
Scientific Name | Lampropeltis getula nigrita |
Other Names | Desert Black, Western Black Kingsnake |
Length | 3 to 4 ft (average) |
Weight | Between 3 and 4 lbs |
Color | Dorsal and ventral color is black, some members are faded; eyes are dark |
Distribution | Sonora desert, northwestern Sinaloa (Mexico), few regions of Arizona |
Habitat | Rocky areas, semi-arid grasslands, places with dense vegetation |
Diet | Small rodents, lizards, birds, eggs, other snakes |
Hibernation Period | Hibernates for 2 – 3 months |
Predators | Hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, feral cats |
Venom Fact | Non-venomous |
Breeding Season | Spring |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 6 to 12 eggs |
Incubation Period | 42 to 56 days |
Reproductive Age | Around 2 years of age |
Average Lifespan | 20 to 30 years |
Mexican Black Kingsnake Pictures Gallery
Published on September 14th 2016 by staff under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 21st August 2018.