King Snakes, belonging to the genus Lampropeltis (which also includes Milk Snakes), are moderate-sized, non-venomous constrictors found across North and Central America. They are renowned for their ophiophagy—the specialized diet of consuming other snakes—which is a defining characteristic of the species.
The King Snake’s Specialized Diet
The King Snake earned its name due to this habit of preying on other snakes, including both non-venomous and venomous species that share its habitat. Common venomous prey includes pit vipers like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. They also consume non-venomous snakes such as gopher snakes, corn snakes, and bullsnakes, and are even known to be cannibalistic toward other King Snakes.
King Snakes subdue their serpentine prey using an exceptionally powerful squeeze. They possess one of the highest constriction forces pound-for-pound in the world, generating pressure that rapidly restricts blood flow to the prey’s brain. They employ a precise, spring-like coiling posture around the victim, maximizing contact and efficiently neutralizing the threat before consuming it whole.
How King Snakes Survive Venomous Prey
The ability of King Snakes to hunt venomous pit vipers stems from a specific biological adaptation: a physiological resistance to their venom. They possess a high level of resistance to the hemotoxic venom produced by local pit vipers of the Crotalinae family. This is resistance, not absolute immunity, allowing them to safely target dangerous prey.
This defense is attributed to specialized proteins or antibodies found in the King Snake’s blood serum. These chemicals bind to and neutralize the toxins present in the venom, interfering with their harmful effects. This resistance is specific to the venoms of snakes within their geographic range, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads.
The resistance is not absolute; an overwhelming dose of venom or a bite to a sensitive area could still be fatal. King Snakes are born with this evolved resistance, which is fixed for life. This adaptation allows them to safely target and consume prey that other predators cannot, securing a unique ecological niche.
Other Food Sources
While ophiophagy makes King Snakes famous, their diet is cosmopolitan and opportunistic. They are generalist feeders, consuming a variety of prey based on what is available in their local environment, which allows them to thrive across diverse habitats.
Beyond other snakes, King Snakes regularly consume small mammals, such as rodents, lizards, birds, and bird eggs. Hatchlings and juveniles often focus on smaller prey like young snakes, lizards, or frogs. This dietary versatility ensures they maintain a healthy population without relying solely on the availability of other snakes.