Most species of kingsnake have vibrant patterns on their skins with vivid contrasting colors. Because of this pattern this species is also referred to as the chain kingsnake. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. >> Kingsnakes are large-bodied snakes with adults randing from 36 to 60 inches in length. They are part of the Eastern Chain Kingsnake. Easily distinguished by smooth, polished, black to dark brown scales on back and sides brightly overlaid with a series of 23 to 52 narrow, cream, or yellow transverse bands. Kingsnakes are colubrid New World constrictors, members of the genus Lampropeltis, which includes milk snakes and four other species. In Virginia, maximum known snout-vent length (SVL) is 1,456 mm (57.3 inches) and maximum total length is 1,621 mm (63.8 inches). Temperature control is important as it maintains feeding response and digestion. Kingsnakes and milksnakes. So are we! Their bright colors signal danger and often confuse predators, making these snakes hard to follow. They are powerful constrictors. They’re one of the most commonly-owned species of constrictor snakes and are well-liked for their friendly temperament.They’re also easy to look after and remain a manageable size throughout their lifespan. Milksnakes, also known as kingsnakes, get their name from an old belief that they drink milk from cows. Like many reptiles, the incubation temperature of the snake's eggs may determine the offspring's sex; warmer temperatures usually create males while cool temperatures create females. Adults usually range from 36 to 60 inches in length. Bob Applegate. Prairie Kingsnake: 42 inches: Photo: Lampropeltis c. rhombomaculata: Mole Kingsnake: 36 inches: Photo: Lampropeltis c. occipitolineata: South Florida Mole Kingsnake: 34 inches: Photo: Lampropeltis getula getula: Eastern Kingsnake: 60 inches: Photo: Lampropeltis g. "brooksi" 'South Florida' Kingsnake: 60 inches: Photo: Lampropeltis g. californiae: California Kingsnake: 48 … Like most colubrids, the mother abandons her eggs after laying them. Adult Size: One of the largest and heaviest-bodied of all getula, it can be from 4 to 7 feet in length. They can easily reach 5 feet and have even been known to reach 7 feet long. Photo by JD Willson. Kingsnakes are known for eating other snakes - including venomous species. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. Cages should be escape proof, complete with water and hiding area. Description: The eastern kingsnake is fairly stout with a black back marked with a chain-like pattern of thin white or yellow bars.The belly has yellow or white patches on a black background. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. Weight can vary from 285 g (10.1 oz) in a small specimen of 87.2 cm (34.3 in) in total length, to 2,268 g (80.0 oz) in large specimens, of over 153 cm (60 in) in total length. Mexican Black Kingsnakes belong to the Lampropeltis genus. Eastern Kingsnake Size Kingsnakes hatch from eggs at between 8-12 inches long. The anal plate is not divided. Lampropeltis getula getula (eastern kingsnake) is found on the east coast of North America from southern New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania to the eastern parts of West Virginia, … Inexpensive enclosures such as plastic shoe or sweater boxes work well if there are ventilation holes drilled in the sides. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. Eastern Black Kingsnake. Kingsnakes are also valuable in their role of curbing rodent populations, especially those near human settlements. Lampropeltis getula californiae — the California kingsnake — makes a good beginner pet. Although an array of color morphs are available, adult Eastern kingsnakes are dark chocolate or black with white, cream, or yellow cross-bands. Taken with tigers? The species is often called the Common Kingsnake, for it is the species usually referenced by the term "Kingsnake." 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