A widespread North American constrictor renowned for eating other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes and copperheads, to which it is immune.
Description
The common kingsnake is a glossy black snake with thin white or yellow chain-like crossbands extending around the body. Several regional populations vary from striped to speckled to all-black forms, and adults usually reach 1.2 to 1.5 m.
Behavior
Kingsnakes are diurnal active hunters that overpower other snakes by constriction, including venomous species — they show natural immunity to pit viper venom. They also eat eggs, lizards, and small mammals. The name king alludes to this dominance over other serpents.
Range
Distributed across the southern and central United States from coast to coast and south into northern Mexico. Several formerly considered subspecies are now treated as distinct species, including the desert, California, and eastern kingsnakes.
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