Fauna
Reptile

Arizona Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis pyromelana

Also known as Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake

Arizona mountain kingsnakes are striking montane constrictors recognized by their alternating bands of red, black, and white or cream. Inhabiting rugged sky island mountain ranges across the American Southwest, they spend warm mornings basking on rocky scree and talus before retreating under boulders during midday heat. Their vivid coloration provides effective Batesian mimicry, warning off visual predators by closely resembling venomous coral snakes.

ReptileMontaneSecretive
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake reference
Holger Krisp / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyYarrow's Spiny Lizard, Deer Mouse, Mountain Spiny Lizard
Predators
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Coyote
  • Bobcat
ThreatsSevere wildfires, drought, and illegal collection for the pet trade
HabitatsMontane pine-oak woodlands, rocky canyons, chaparral, and talus slopes
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyColubridae
  2. SpeciesLampropeltis pyromelana
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 and completely harmless; safe to observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Search sunlit boulder piles and rock cuts along mountain roads during mild morning hours.
  • Mimicry Note: Red bands touch black bands on this harmless snake, distinguishing it from coral snakes.
  • Habitat Care: Never pry or roll rocks in fragile sky island ecosystems while searching for wildlife.
Related species
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