Fauna
Reptile · GBIF taxon 5224464

Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

Also known as Yellow-bellied Kingsnake

Prairie kingsnakes slip quietly through grasslands and open woodlands in search of small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. They kill prey using powerful constriction and possess natural immunity to the venom of local pit vipers. When threatened, these secretive reptiles vibrate their tails against dry leaves to imitate a rattlesnake sound.

Non-venomousSecretiveConstrictor
Prairie Kingsnake reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Sarah Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Voles
  • Mice
  • Lizards
Predators
  • Red-tailed Hawks
  • Coyotes
  • Raccoons
ThreatsHabitat destruction, vehicle strikes, and human persecution
HabitatsPrairies, grasslands, pastures, and open woodlands
Life span10 to 20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyColubridae
  2. SpeciesLampropeltis calligaster
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Non-venomous but can bite if handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look near cover: Scan under tin sheets, flat stones, and fallen logs during warm mornings.
  • Give space: Avoid cornering wild snakes to prevent defensive bites and foul musking.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…