King snakes are a diverse group of non-venomous snakes found across various regions, from southeastern Canada to Ecuador. Their wide distribution contributes to a remarkable variety in their appearance. As these reptiles are often encountered in different habitats, understanding their distinguishing features is important for identification.
General Physical Characteristics
King snakes possess a moderate to stout body shape, adapting to their environment as primarily terrestrial, yet capable climbers and swimmers. Adults typically range from 3.3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) in length, though some individuals can reach up to 6.8 feet (2.1 meters). Their head is small and distinct from their neck, with a rounded appearance. King snakes have smooth, glossy scales.
Coloration and Pattern Variations
The coloration and patterns of king snakes vary significantly among species and geographic locations. Many king snakes exhibit prominent banding patterns, including black and white, black and yellow, or red, black, and yellow rings.
For example, the California king snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) displays alternating dark and light bands, which can be black and white or brown and tan/yellow. The Eastern king snake (Lampropeltis getula) has black or dark brown scales adorned with yellow or white stripes, rings, crossbars, or spots, sometimes forming a chain-like pattern. The Scarlet king snake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) has bright red, black, and yellow alternating bands. Other species, like the Gray-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna), display wide orange-red banding, while the Eastern black king snake is predominantly dark.
Distinguishing Features for Identification
Identifying king snakes involves observing visual cues, especially when differentiating them from other snakes, including venomous species. King snakes have a rounded head shape, contrasting with the triangular heads of many venomous snakes like rattlesnakes. Their pupils are round, differing from the elliptical or slit-like pupils characteristic of many venomous snakes in North America. An identifying feature is the absence of a rattle; king snakes have a pointed tail, unlike rattlesnakes.
When distinguishing king snakes from venomous coral snakes, which they often mimic, the arrangement of colored bands is an indicator. For king snakes with red, black, and yellow bands, the mnemonic rhyme “red touches black, venom lack” or “red on black, friend of Jack” applies, meaning red bands are bordered by black bands. This contrasts with coral snakes, where red bands touch yellow bands, remembered by “red touches yellow, kill a fellow.” Coral snakes have a black head with a short snout, whereas scarlet king snakes have a mostly red head with a more elongated snout. While primarily visual, king snakes may vibrate their tail or release a musky odor when agitated, but they do not possess venom.