California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis californiae
🌍 Overview
The California kingsnake is a non-venomous colubrid found throughout the western United States and northwestern Mexico. "King" snakes earned their name from their ability to kill and consume venomous rattlesnakes - they are immune to pit viper venom. Highly variable in pattern and coloration, they can mimic the banding of venomous coral snakes in some regions. Hardy and easy to care for, they are a popular beginner species.
📋 Quick Facts
Native Range
Western United States and northwestern Mexico
Natural Habitat
Desert, chaparral, woodland, grassland, and agricultural areas
Adult Size
2.5-4 feet (75-120 cm)
Wild Diet
Lizards, rodents, birds, eggs, and other snakes (including rattlesnakes)
Wild Lifespan
10-15 years (up to 20+ years in captivity)
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
⚖️ Compare
California Kingsnake
Human
Adult Size
2.5-4 feet (75-120 cm)
5-6 feet (150-185 cm); ~135-200 lbs
Wild Lifespan
10-15 years (up to 20+ years in captivity)
~73 years (global average)
Wild Diet
Lizards, rodents, birds, eggs, and other snakes (including rattlesnakes)
Omnivorous - eats just about anything
Native Range
Western United States and northwestern Mexico
Global - originated in Africa roughly 300,000 years ago
Natural Habitat
Desert, chaparral, woodland, grassland, and agricultural areas
Everywhere from arctic tundra to tropical megacities
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Least Concern (8+ billion and counting)
🧠 Test Yourself
What's the California Kingsnake's native range?
🤩 Fun Facts
🐍 Tongue Sniffers
Snakes smell with their tongues! They flick their forked tongue to collect chemical particles from the air, then press it into the Jacobson's organ on the roof of their mouth to 'read' the smells.
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🤓 Did You Know?
Kingsnakes are immune to the venom of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, and they actively hunt and eat other snakes, including venomous ones! The name 'King' is well earned.
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