Prairie Kingsnake
-
Scientific Name:
Lampropeltis calligaster Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Nonvenomous
Description
A large snake - 30 to 40 inches long. Orange-tan, tan, or medium brown with transverse red to dark brown blotches on the back. Crown has spear-shaped mark. Dull white to gray with irregular darker markings on the belly.
Range and Habitat
Found in northern, central, and southwestern Louisiana in upland longleaf pine woods and pine flatwoods, and mixed pine-hardwood forest, and the former prairie country of Acadiana in areas now converted to agriculture.
Behavior
Feed on lizards, small snakes, shrews, and small rodents. Lay 3 to 13 eggs.
Population Status
Populations are considered stable within the state.