The typical Eastern Kingsnake is black with thin yellow to pale bands on its back and sides, forming a chainlike pattern. "Chain" Kingsnake is another popular name for the Eastern Kingsnake. The belly has scales partially colored in the same color as its dorsal bands.

In some localities, specimens can be found with atypical color and patterning. The background color may be more like dark chocolate in some specimens and the bands may be almost white. The width of the bands may be greater. Sometimes the bands may be so wide that the unusual specimen appears to have dark blotches on a pale background.

The young look the same as the adults.

The Eastern Kingsnake may be found in most any habitat within its range. However, it seems to have a special fondness for wetland areas.

The Common Kingsnake species is found in the southern and southwestern United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The species physique does not vary across the large range; however, the patterning and coloration does vary substantially. The Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula)is found in the middle to south atlantic states. The Outer Banks Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula sticticeps) is found only in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina. The Florida Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana), as its name implies, is found in Florida, intergrading with the Eastern Kingsnake. The Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula holbrooki) is found in the middle gulf states north to Iowa and Illinois. The Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigra) is found Tennessee and Kentucky and parts of neighboring states. The Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula splendida) is found from Kansas to Texas to New Mexico and Mexico. The Mexican Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigritus) is found in southeast Arizona and Mexico. California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) is found from Arizona and Utah to California and Oregon.

June 23, 2010
Contact: South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians