Lampropeltis getulus
HumboldtHerps.com
Complete
Genus - Lampropeltis
COLUBRIDS: Family - Colubridae
SIGHTINGS pictures for this genus are listed below. This is to assist in visual
comparisons, as most texts for this page are still yet unwritten.
comparisons, as most texts for this page are still yet unwritten.
The California Kingsnake is a subspecies of the Common Kingsnake (L. g. getulus) and
is found throughout California (except coastal NW, NE, and high Sierras), SW Oregon
(except coast), Nevada (except N and NE), SW and S Utah, extreme SW Colorado and
extreme NW New Mexico, AZ (except East), Northen Mexico (at AZ border), and all of
Baja California.
These snakes average between 36 to 60 inches in length (records up to 84 inches),
but rarely exceed 4 feet in the Northwest. California Kingsnakes are California's apex
predators, where reptiles are concerned. They are powerful constrictors which can
subdue and eat most smaller rodents, birds, eggs, lizards, snakes, and even frogs.
The Kingsnake is famous for its immunity to rattlesnake venom and its habit of eating
manageable-sized rattlers. Kingsnakes are non-venomous and are not dangerous,
however they can inflict a painful bite.
Kingsnakes are one of the most easily recognized snakes in California due to their
pattern and color, which is usually alternating bands of black and white. Bands and
colors may vary depending on the specific region the snake is from. In Northwestern
California the typical look is broad black banding split by narrower bands of white
(which broaden in an upside-down V towards the ventral scales). Certain southern
populations come in browns and yellows. Black and white hi-white specimens are
common in the desert regions. Patterns and colors differ further as the subspecies
intergrades with its neighbor, the Desert King (L. g. splendida) in the Southeast.
Furthermore, certain California King populations exhibit genes that change the banding
pattern to stripes and other chaotic designs. Currently, 3 heritable pattern genes are
known: banded, striped, and abberant. All 3 are also co-dominant, which often creates
some confusingly patterned offspring!
The californicas subspecies is one of the most popular snakes in captive bred
populations. They are only 1 of 3 native snake species which you are allowed to breed
in captivity (with permit!) in California, and are only 1 of 3 species of which you may
possess up to 4 with a standard fishing license.
Due to the nature of captive-bred populations, the many variable morphs and even
recessive genetics of California Kings are commonly known among enthusiasts.
Selectively bred yellow specimens have yielded forth the "Banana Kings". Recessive
genes such as Amelanism, Hypomelanism, and even Hypermelanism have created a
variety of lineages and combinations issuing forth names such as Lavenders and
Snows. Add the 3 different pattern mutations, and you have an entire pallet to choose
from!
Since these are native animals, it is vital that captive populations do not escape or be
released into the wild. Many captive-bred genes may be detrimental to wild
populations. Albinos or "un-natural" color morphs are often weaker genetically. They
are also the first to be eaten by predators!
Rather than rehashing information that is commonplace and well-known, this page, for
now, will only list sightings. There are countless websites and books available which
cover the basic facts about this species (especially www.Kingsnake.com). Please
seek them out. Be sure to check out our links page!
is found throughout California (except coastal NW, NE, and high Sierras), SW Oregon
(except coast), Nevada (except N and NE), SW and S Utah, extreme SW Colorado and
extreme NW New Mexico, AZ (except East), Northen Mexico (at AZ border), and all of
Baja California.
These snakes average between 36 to 60 inches in length (records up to 84 inches),
but rarely exceed 4 feet in the Northwest. California Kingsnakes are California's apex
predators, where reptiles are concerned. They are powerful constrictors which can
subdue and eat most smaller rodents, birds, eggs, lizards, snakes, and even frogs.
The Kingsnake is famous for its immunity to rattlesnake venom and its habit of eating
manageable-sized rattlers. Kingsnakes are non-venomous and are not dangerous,
however they can inflict a painful bite.
Kingsnakes are one of the most easily recognized snakes in California due to their
pattern and color, which is usually alternating bands of black and white. Bands and
colors may vary depending on the specific region the snake is from. In Northwestern
California the typical look is broad black banding split by narrower bands of white
(which broaden in an upside-down V towards the ventral scales). Certain southern
populations come in browns and yellows. Black and white hi-white specimens are
common in the desert regions. Patterns and colors differ further as the subspecies
intergrades with its neighbor, the Desert King (L. g. splendida) in the Southeast.
Furthermore, certain California King populations exhibit genes that change the banding
pattern to stripes and other chaotic designs. Currently, 3 heritable pattern genes are
known: banded, striped, and abberant. All 3 are also co-dominant, which often creates
some confusingly patterned offspring!
The californicas subspecies is one of the most popular snakes in captive bred
populations. They are only 1 of 3 native snake species which you are allowed to breed
in captivity (with permit!) in California, and are only 1 of 3 species of which you may
possess up to 4 with a standard fishing license.
Due to the nature of captive-bred populations, the many variable morphs and even
recessive genetics of California Kings are commonly known among enthusiasts.
Selectively bred yellow specimens have yielded forth the "Banana Kings". Recessive
genes such as Amelanism, Hypomelanism, and even Hypermelanism have created a
variety of lineages and combinations issuing forth names such as Lavenders and
Snows. Add the 3 different pattern mutations, and you have an entire pallet to choose
from!
Since these are native animals, it is vital that captive populations do not escape or be
released into the wild. Many captive-bred genes may be detrimental to wild
populations. Albinos or "un-natural" color morphs are often weaker genetically. They
are also the first to be eaten by predators!
Rather than rehashing information that is commonplace and well-known, this page, for
now, will only list sightings. There are countless websites and books available which
cover the basic facts about this species (especially www.Kingsnake.com). Please
seek them out. Be sure to check out our links page!
| California Kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus californicas |
| Lampropeltis getulus in Captivity ADAPTABLE / GENERAL MAINTENANCE Captive-bred specimens are recommended! Wild-caught animals do not always adapt! Adults are often set on a menu of reptiles only and will not accept rodents. Finding cold-blooded prey is often difficult, and such prey may increase risks of catching disease. Ectotherms are often immune to endothermic parasites. |
| California Kingsnake sighting and pictures by Bradford Norman |
Orleans Ranger District
(NE Humboldt)
August 1995
(NE Humboldt)
August 1995
CB aberrant desert phase
WC aberrant coastal phase
CB - classification unknown
[possible intergrade between
Desert King and Western
Black (splendida X nigrita);
may also be a black phase of
spendida]
[possible intergrade between
Desert King and Western
Black (splendida X nigrita);
may also be a black phase of
spendida]