California (Common) Kingsnake Flashcards

1
Q

What family of snakes does the common kingsnake belong to?

A

The colubrids.

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2
Q

What is the largest family of snakes?

A

The colubrids.

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3
Q

What percentage of snake species are colubrids?

A

66%

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4
Q

How many subspecies of the common kingsnake are recognized?

A

Eight.

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5
Q

Why is the colubrid family somewhat of a disorganized family of snakes?

A

It has become a sort of garbage bin for snakes that scientists can’t place in other families.

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6
Q

How long do common kingsnakes get?

A

Between 2 and 7 feet long.

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7
Q

What is the maximum weight for a common kingsnake?

A

About 5 pounds.

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8
Q

What is the range and habitat of the common kingsnake?

A

It is found throughout most of the United States and Northern Mexico in grassland, scrubs, woodlands, deserts, swamps, farms, and lakesides.

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9
Q

What is the scientific name of the common kingsnake?

A

Lampropeltis getula.

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10
Q

What do common kingsnakes eat?

A

Kingsnakes eat primarily other snakes, but will also eat small mammals, eggs, lizards, and amphibians.

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11
Q

How does a kingsnake keep itself from being bitten by venomous snakes?

A

It bites the jaws first to hold them shut.

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12
Q

How does the common kingsnake kill their prey?

A

They kill by constriction.

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13
Q

What happens if a common kingsnake is bitten by a venomous snake?

A

Nothing. They are nearly immune to the venom.

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14
Q

Around how many eggs does the common kingsnake lay?

A

12

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15
Q

What is the lifespan of the common kingsnake?

A

Up to 25 years.

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16
Q

Is the California kingsnake one of the larger subspecies of common kingsnake?

A

No. It is one of the smaller ones.

17
Q

How high up can you find a common kingsnake?

A

Up to 7,000 feet

18
Q

Where were common kingsnakes accidentally introduced?

A

The Canary Islands

19
Q

Is the common kingsnake diurnal or nocturnal?

A

It is primarily diurnal, but can become more nocturnal if the weather is too hot.

20
Q

What will common kingsnakes do in the winter?

A

They will brumate.

21
Q

How is brumation different from hibernation?

A

The slowing of the metabolic processes is not as extreme.

22
Q

Are kingsnakes and rattlesnakes enemies?

A

No. They will often share the same cover.

23
Q

How does the common kingsnake defend itself?

A

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.

24
Q

How often do snakes shed?

A

Generally four to six times a year.

25
Q

Will younger or older snakes shed more often?

A

Younger.

26
Q

How small are common kingsnakes when they are born?

A

Around twelve inches.

27
Q

Name the subspecies of the common kingsnake.

A

California kingsnake, Florida kingsnake, eastern kingsnake, speckled kingsnake, black kingsnake, Mexican black kingsnake, desert kingsnake, lowlands kingsnake.

28
Q

Can common kingsnakes swim and climb?

A

Yes.