Common
Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Body length: 30 - 82 "
Diet: Snakes, mammals, and other vertebrates
This "king of snakes" is fabled to feed on other snakes, including larger
snakes and even rattlesnakes. Unlike some snake
stories, this one is true. Like many other snakes, kingsnakes are relatively immune
to rattlesnake venom. However, kingsnakes are opportunistic feeders, and will
also readily eat mice and other prey. In contrast to rattlesnakes, which envenomate
prey, and whipsnakes, which kill prey by a combination
of biting and suffocation with their body coils, kingsnakes are constrictors,
meaning they suffocate prey by encircling them.
Common kingsnakes are found throughout most of Arizona. They are apparently not
common at Tonto National Monument, but are most likely to be found north of the
Visitor Center. Unlike most other desert snakes, kingsnakes are active both before
and after dark, with their activity shifting to evening during the hotter months.
While aggressive towards other snakes, kingsnakes have a reputation for being
mild-mannered around humans.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005