# Lampropeltis getula

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Species of snake

Lampropeltis getula This snake was found predating a diamondback terrapin nest. Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Serpentes Family: Colubridae Genus: Lampropeltis Species: L. getula Binomial name Lampropeltis getula (Linnaeus, 1766) Synonyms[2] Coluber getulus Linnaeus, 1766 Ophibolus getulus — Baird & Girard, 1853 Coronella Getulus — A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854 Ophibolus getulus — Cope, 1875 Ophilobus [sic] getulus — Cope, 1892 (ex errore) Coronella getula — Boulenger, 1894 Triaeniopholis arenarius F. Werner, 1924 Lampropeltis getula goini Neill & Allen, 1949 Lampropeltis getula — Stebbins, 1985 Lampropeltis getula — Conant & Collins, 1991 Lampropeltis getula — Liner, 1994

***Lampropeltis getula***, [commonly](/source/Common_name) known as the **eastern kingsnake**,[3] the **common kingsnake**,[4] and the **chain kingsnake**,[5] is a [species](/source/Species) of harmless [snake](/source/Snake) in the [subfamily](/source/Subfamily) [Colubrinae](/source/Colubrinae) of the [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)) [Colubridae](/source/Colubridae). The species is native to the southeastern United States. It has long been a favorite among collectors.[5] Four [subspecies](/source/Subspecies) are recognized as being valid, including the [nominate subspecies](/source/Nominotypical_subspecies) described here.[6] All of these [taxa](/source/Taxon) had originally been described as distinct species and recognized as such for more than a century.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Description

*L. g. getula* can be quite docile even when caught wild

Florida kingsnake in [Dixie County, Florida](/source/Dixie_County%2C_Florida)

Adult specimens of the speckled kingsnake, *Lampropeltis getula holbrooki*, are the smallest [race](/source/Subspecies) at 91.5 cm (36.0 in) in snout-to-vent length (SVL) on average, while *L. g. getula* is the largest subspecies at 107 cm (42 in) SVL on average.[7] Specimens up to 208.2 cm (82.0 in) in total length (including tail) have been recorded.[8] 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.[7][9]

The color pattern consists of a glossy black, blue black, or dark brown ground color, overlaid with a series of 23–52 white chain-like rings.[5][10] Variation is found in their patterns across geographic ranges.[11] Kingsnakes from the coastal plains have wider bands, while those found in mountainous areas have thinner bands or may be completely black.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Common names

Common names for *Lampropeltis getula* include eastern kingsnake,[3] common kingsnake,[4] chain kingsnake,[5] kingsnake, Carolina kingsnake, chain snake, bastard horn snake, black kingsnake, black moccasin, common chain snake, cow sucker, horse racer, master snake, North American kingsnake, oakleaf rattler, pied snake, pine snake, racer, rattlesnake pilot, thunder-and-lightning snake, thunderbolt, thunder snake, wamper, wampum snake.[10]

## Geographic range

*Lampropeltis getula* is found in the [southeastern United States](/source/Southeastern_United_States) from southern [New Jersey](/source/New_Jersey) to [Florida](/source/Florida).[2]

## Habitat

The preferred [habitats](/source/Habitat) of *Lampropeltis getula* are open areas, particularly grassland, but also chaparral, oak woodland, abandoned farms, desert, low mountains, sand, and any type of riparian zone, including swamps, canals, and streams. A study on the habitat use of the eastern kingsnake found that overall it prefers and can be found in sites with a thick layer of [leaf litter](/source/Leaf_litter) and dense shrubbery. From observations, researchers found that 79% of tracked specimen spent the majority of their time concealed under the cover of soil and leaf litter.[12]

Although commonly described as diurnal, some reports suggest that the eastern kingsnake is crepuscular or nocturnal during the hottest parts of the year.[13] It will often retreat into rodent burrows as nocturnal retreats.[14]

It has been found that eastern kingsnake home ranges often show little-to-no overlap.[15]

Some studies show that the eastern kingsnake (*L. g. getula*) is territorial, especially males, which will engage invading snakes in combat if their territory is threatened.[15]

## Diet

*Lampropeltis getula* eats other snakes, including venomous snakes such as the copperhead (*[Agkistrodon contortrix](/source/Agkistrodon_contortrix)*), which is responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other in the United States, as well as coral snakes ([genera](/source/Genus) *[Micruroides](/source/Micruroides)* and *[Micrurus](/source/Micrurus)*), the massasauga (*[Sistrurus catenatus](/source/Sistrurus_catenatus)*), and other rattlesnakes (genera *[Crotalus](/source/Crotalus)* and *[Sistrurus](/source/Sistrurus)*).[16] Nonvenomous snakes preyed upon include the common garter snake (*[Thamnophis sirtalis](/source/Thamnophis_sirtalis)*), the common watersnake (*[Nerodia sipedon](/source/Nerodia_sipedon)*), the ring-necked snake (*[Diadophis punctatus](/source/Diadophis_punctatus)*), the smooth earth snake (*[Virginia valeriae](/source/Virginia_valeriae)*), and the worm snake (*[Carphophis amoenus](/source/Carphophis_amoenus)*).[16]

It has developed a hunting technique to avoid being bitten by clamping down on the jaws of the venomous prey,[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] but even if envenomated, it is immune. It also eats amphibians, turtle eggs, bird eggs including those of the northern bobwhite (*[Colinus virginianus](/source/Colinus_virginianus)*),[16] lizards such as the five-lined skink (*[Plestiodon fasciatus](/source/Plestiodon_fasciatus)*),[16] and small mammals such as the white-footed mouse (*[Peromyscus leucopus](/source/Peromyscus_leucopus)*),[16] which it kills by constriction.[17]

Due to their diet of other snake species, kingsnakes of the genus *Lampropeltis* are a key factor in the spread of ophidiomycosis. This is a relatively new snake fungal disease originating from the fungus, *[Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola](/source/Ophidiomyces_ophiodiicola)*. This disease has a variety of impacts on snakes and the extent of this impact is still being researched.[18]

## Reproduction

*Lampropeltis getula* is [oviparous](/source/Oviparity). Adult females lay up to several dozen eggs that hatch after 2.0–2.5 months of incubation. Hatchlings are brightly colored and feed on small snakes, lizards, and rodents.[5] The eastern kingsnake (*L. g. getula*) is active from April–October in most parts of its habitat range and breeding occurs in the spring months.[19] Neck-biting is a common behavior when mating.[20]

## In captivity

Long a favorite among collectors, *Lampropeltis getula* does well in captivity, living to 25 years or more. Some of the most popular subspecies of the common kingsnake kept in captivity are the [California](/source/California_kingsnake), [Brooks'](/source/Lampropeltis_getula_brooksi), [Florida](/source/Florida_kingsnake), and [Mexican black](/source/Mexican_black_kingsnake) kingsnakes.[5]

## Subspecies

Subspecies[6] Authority[6] Common name[6] Range L. g. brooksi Barbour, 1919 Brooks's kingsnake L. g. floridana Blanchard, 1919 Florida kingsnake L. g. getula (Linnaeus, 1766) Eastern kingsnake L. g. meansi Krysko & Judd, 2006 Apalachicola Lowlands kingsnake the Apalachicola Lowlands, Florida

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-iucn_status_19_November_2021_1-0)** Hammerson, G.A. (2019). ["*Lampropeltis getula*"](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/67662588/67662645). *[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](/source/IUCN_Red_List)*. **2019** e.T67662588A67662645. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T67662588A67662645.en](https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T67662588A67662645.en). Retrieved November 19, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NRDB_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NRDB_2-1) [*Lampropeltis getula*](http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species.php?genus=Lampropeltis&species=getula) at the [Reptarium.cz Reptile Database](http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/). Accessed June 29, 2008 {{{year}}}.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Con75_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Con75_3-1) [Conant R](/source/Roger_Conant_(herpetologist)) (1975). *A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition*. (First published in 1958). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 429 pp + 48 plates. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-395-19979-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-395-19979-4) (hardcover), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-395-19977-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-395-19977-8) (paperback). (*Lampropeltis getulus getulus*, p. 202).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-B&K79_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-B&K79_4-1) [Behler JL](/source/John_L._Behler), King FW (1979). *The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians*. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. LCCCN 79-2217. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-394-50824-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-394-50824-6). (*Lampropeltis getulus*, pp. 618-620).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Meh87_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Meh87_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Meh87_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Meh87_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Meh87_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Meh87_5-5) Mehrtens JM (1987). *Living Snakes of the World in Color*. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8069-6460-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8069-6460-X).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ITIS_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ITIS_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ITIS_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ITIS_6-3) ["*Lampropeltis getula*"](https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=209247). [Integrated Taxonomic Information System](/source/Integrated_Taxonomic_Information_System). Retrieved June 29, 2008.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ADW_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ADW_7-1) ["Lampropeltis getula (Common Kingsnake)"](http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lampropeltis_getula.html).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Lampropeltis getula getula"](https://web.archive.org/web/20010224001059/http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Lampropeltisggetula.htm). *www.flmnh.ufl.edu*. Archived from [the original](http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Lampropeltisggetula.htm) on February 24, 2001.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202306/http://stkctr.biol.sc.edu/Reprints/Reprints_4/Steen_2010.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://stkctr.biol.sc.edu/Reprints/Reprints_4/Steen_2010.pdf) (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2012.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-W&W57_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-W&W57_10-1) [Wright AH](/source/Albert_Hazen_Wright), Wright AA (1957). *Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada*. 2 volumes. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1,105 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8014-0463-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8014-0463-0). (*Lampropeltis getulus getulus*, pp. 372-376).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Alexander Pyron, R.; Burbrink, Frank T. (2009). ["Lineage diversification in a widespread species: roles for niche divergence and conservatism in the common kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula"](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04292.x). *Molecular Ecology*. **18** (16): 3443–3457. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04292.x](https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1365-294X.2009.04292.x). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1365-294X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1365-294X).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Wund, Matthew A.; Torocco, Michael E.; Zappalorti, Robert T.; Reinert, Howard K. (September 2007). ["Activity Ranges and Habitat Use of Lampropeltis getula getula (Eastern Kingsnakes)"](https://bioone.org/journals/northeastern-naturalist/volume-14/issue-3/1092-6194_2007_14_343_ARAHUO_2.0.CO_2/Activity-Ranges-and-Habitat-Use-of-Lampropeltis-getula-getula-Eastern/10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14%5b343:ARAHUO%5d2.0.CO;2.full). *Northeastern Naturalist*. **14** (3): 343–360. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14\[343:ARAHUO\]2.0.CO;2](https://doi.org/10.1656%2F1092-6194%282007%2914%5B343%3AARAHUO%5D2.0.CO%3B2). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1092-6194](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1092-6194). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [84312480](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:84312480).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Howze, Jennifer & Smith, Lora. (2012). Factors Influencing Eastern Kingsnake Diel Activity. Copeia. 2012. 460-464. 10.2307/23273252.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Godley, J. Steve; Halstead, Brian J.; McDiarmid, Roy W. (December 1, 2017). "Ecology of the Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) at Rainey Slough, Florida: A Vanished Eden". *Herpetological Monographs*. **31** (1): 47. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1655/herpmonographs-d-16-00006.1](https://doi.org/10.1655%2Fherpmonographs-d-16-00006.1). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0733-1347](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0733-1347).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Steen_553–558_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Steen_553–558_15-1) Steen, David A.; Smith, Lora L. (September 2009). ["Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Getula Getula) Home Ranges Exhibit Limited Overlap"](https://bioone.org/journals/southeastern-naturalist/volume-8/issue-3/058.008.0316/Eastern-Kingsnake-Lampropeltis-Getula-Getula-Home-Ranges-Exhibit-Limited-Overlap/10.1656/058.008.0316.full). *Southeastern Naturalist*. **8** (3): 553–558. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1656/058.008.0316](https://doi.org/10.1656%2F058.008.0316). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1528-7092](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1528-7092). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [85945120](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:85945120).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-animaldiversity.org_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-animaldiversity.org_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-animaldiversity.org_16-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-animaldiversity.org_16-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-animaldiversity.org_16-4) ["Lampropeltis getula (Common Kingsnake)"](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lampropeltis_getula/). *[Animal Diversity Web](/source/Animal_Diversity_Web)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Schmidt KP](/source/Karl_Patterson_Schmidt), [Davis DD](/source/Delbert_Dwight_Davis) (1941). *Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada*. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (*Lampropeltis getulus*, "Food", p. 176).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Davy, Christina M.; Shirose, Leonard; Campbell, Doug; Dillon, Rachel; McKenzie, Christina; Nemeth, Nicole; Braithwaite, Tony; Cai, Hugh; Degazio, Tarra; Dobbie, Tammy; Egan, Sean (2021). ["Revisiting Ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease) After a Decade of Targeted Research"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8200636). *Frontiers in Veterinary Science*. **8** 665805. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3389/fvets.2021.665805](https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffvets.2021.665805). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [2297-1769](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2297-1769). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [8200636](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8200636). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [34136555](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34136555).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Wund, Turocco, Zappalorti, & Reinert (2007). "Activity Ranges and Habitat Use of Lampropeltis getula getula (Eastern Kingsnakes)". *Northeastern Naturalist*. **14** (3): 343–360. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14\[343:ARAHUO\]2.0.CO;2](https://doi.org/10.1656%2F1092-6194%282007%2914%5B343%3AARAHUO%5D2.0.CO%3B2). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [4499924](https://www.jstor.org/stable/4499924). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [84312480](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:84312480).{{[cite journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_journal)}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Kleinginna, Paul R.; Seamens, Joe (January 1980). "Discrimination in the Eastern Kingsnake Lampropeltis Getulus Getulus". *The Journal of General Psychology*. **102** (1): 153–154. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/00221309.1980.9920974](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F00221309.1980.9920974). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0022-1309](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0022-1309).

## Further reading

- [Hubbs B](https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Brian_Hubbs) (2009). *Common Kingsnakes: A Natural History of* Lampropeltis getula. Tempe, Arizona: Tricolor Books. 436 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0975464113](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0975464113).

- [Linnaeus C](/source/Carl_Linnaeus) (1766). *Systema naturæ per regna tria naturæ, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio Duodecima, Reformata.* Stockholm: L. Salvius. 532 pp. (*Coluber getulus*, new species, p. 382). (in Latin).

- [Powell R](/source/Robert_Powell_(herpetologist)), [Conant R](/source/Roger_Conant_(herpetologist)), [Collins JT](/source/Joseph_T._Collins) (2016). *Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Fourth Edition*. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. xiv + 494 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-544-12997-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-544-12997-9). (*Lampropeltis getula*, p. 379 + Plate 34).

- [Smith HM](/source/Hobart_Muir_Smith), [Brodie ED Jr](https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Darrell_Brodie_Jr.) (1982). *Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification*. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-307-13666-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-307-13666-3) (paperback), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-307-47009-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-307-47009-1) (hardcover). (*Lampropeltis getula*, pp. 180–181).

- [Stebbins RC](/source/Robert_C._Stebbins) (2003). *A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition*. The Peterson Field Guide Series. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. xiii + 533 pp. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-395-98272-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-395-98272-3). (*Lampropeltis getula*, pp. 364–366 + Plate 44 + Map 153).

## External links

[Wikimedia Commons](/source/Wikimedia_Commons) has media related to:

[Lampropeltis getula](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Lampropeltis_getula) ([category](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Lampropeltis_getula))

- [*Lampropeltis getula*](http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species.php?genus=Lampropeltis&species=getula) at the [Reptarium.cz Reptile Database](http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/). Accessed July 14, 2008 {{{year}}}.

- [Eastern Kingsnake](http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Lampropeltisggetula.htm) at the [Florida Museum of Natural History](http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/). Accessed June 29, 2008.

Taxon identifiers Lampropeltis getula Wikidata: Q747093 Wikispecies: Lampropeltis getula ADW: Lampropeltis_getula CoL: 3S4VP EoL: 792662 GBIF: 5224480 iNaturalist: 29813 IRMNG: 10642023 ISC: 77791 ITIS: 209247 IUCN: 67662588 NatureServe: 2.894223 NCBI: 94887 Observation.org: 100246 Open Tree of Life: 547409 RD: getula TaiCOL: t0027303 WoRMS: 1476274

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lampropeltis getula](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampropeltis_getula) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampropeltis_getula?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.