California (Common) Kingsnake Flashcards
What family of snakes does the common kingsnake belong to?
The colubrids.
What is the largest family of snakes?
The colubrids.
What percentage of snake species are colubrids?
66%
How many subspecies of the common kingsnake are recognized?
Eight.
Why is the colubrid family somewhat of a disorganized family of snakes?
It has become a sort of garbage bin for snakes that scientists can’t place in other families.
How long do common kingsnakes get?
Between 2 and 7 feet long.
What is the maximum weight for a common kingsnake?
About 5 pounds.
What is the range and habitat of the common kingsnake?
It is found throughout most of the United States and Northern Mexico in grassland, scrubs, woodlands, deserts, swamps, farms, and lakesides.
What is the scientific name of the common kingsnake?
Lampropeltis getula.
What do common kingsnakes eat?
Kingsnakes eat primarily other snakes, but will also eat small mammals, eggs, lizards, and amphibians.
How does a kingsnake keep itself from being bitten by venomous snakes?
It bites the jaws first to hold them shut.
How does the common kingsnake kill their prey?
They kill by constriction.
What happens if a common kingsnake is bitten by a venomous snake?
Nothing. They are nearly immune to the venom.
Around how many eggs does the common kingsnake lay?
12
What is the lifespan of the common kingsnake?
Up to 25 years.
Is the California kingsnake one of the larger subspecies of common kingsnake?
No. It is one of the smaller ones.
How high up can you find a common kingsnake?
Up to 7,000 feet
Where were common kingsnakes accidentally introduced?
The Canary Islands
Is the common kingsnake diurnal or nocturnal?
It is primarily diurnal, but can become more nocturnal if the weather is too hot.
What will common kingsnakes do in the winter?
They will brumate.
How is brumation different from hibernation?
The slowing of the metabolic processes is not as extreme.
Are kingsnakes and rattlesnakes enemies?
No. They will often share the same cover.
How does the common kingsnake defend itself?
It will coil up and produce a rattling sound, attempting to imitate a rattlesnake. If it is picked up, it may bite and secrete a musk.
How often do snakes shed?
Generally four to six times a year.
