Reptile · GBIF taxon 9799308
Lampropeltis getula
Lampropeltis getulaAlso known as Common Kingsnake, Chain Kingsnake, Eastern Chain Kingsnake, Chain Snake
Eastern kingsnakes wear glossy black scales crisscrossed by narrow yellow or white chain-like bands along their backs. Renowned for their immunity to pit viper venom, these powerful constrictors regularly overpower and consume copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. When threatened, they vibrate their tails in dry leaf litter to produce a buzz and may release a musky defense scent.
Non-VenomousReptileConstrictor
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Eastern Copperhead
- Northern Cottonmouth
- White-footed Mouse
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Great Horned Owl
- Raccoon
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicular traffic, and pesticide runoff
HabitatsPine flatwoods, hardwood forests, abandoned farmland, and wetland borders
Life span15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesLampropeltis getula
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Habitat Searching: Scan beneath fallen logs, old boards, and tin sheets during cool spring mornings.
- Observation Distance: Enjoy watching from a few paces away without attempting to handle or harass.
- Garden Value: Welcome them in rural settings where they control both rodent and venomous snake populations.
Prey Wikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
Prey (c) kirk gardner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by kirk gardner · cc-by
Competitor (c) evangrimes, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by evangrimes · cc-by
Close Relative (c) evangrimes, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by evangrimes · cc-by
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