Lampropeltis getula

Adult specimens of the speckled kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula holbrooki, are the smallest race at in snout-to-vent length (SVL) on average, while L. g. getula is the largest subspecies at SVL on average. Specimens up to in total length (including tail) have been recorded. Weight can vary from in a small specimen of in total length, to in large specimens, of over in total length. The color pattern consists of a glossy black, blue black, or dark brown ground color, overlaid with a series of 23–52 white chain-like rings. Variation is found in their patterns across geographic ranges. Kingsnakes from the coastal plains have wider bands, while those found in mountainous areas have thinner bands or may be completely black. ==Common names==

Common names for Lampropeltis getula include eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake, kingsnake, Carolina kingsnake, chain snake, bastard horn snake, black kingsnake, black moccasin, common chain snake, cow sucker, horse racer, master snake, North American kingsnake, oakleaf rattler, pied snake, pine snake, racer, rattlesnake pilot, thunder-and-lightning snake, thunderbolt, thunder snake, wamper, wampum snake. ==Geographic range==

Lampropeltis getula is found in the southeastern United States from southern New Jersey to Florida. ==Habitat==

The preferred habitats of Lampropeltis getula are open areas, particularly grassland, but also chaparral, oak woodland, abandoned farms, desert, low mountains, sand, and any type of riparian zone, including swamps, canals, and streams. A study on the habitat use of the eastern kingsnake found that overall it prefers and can be found in sites with a thick layer of leaf litter and dense shrubbery. From observations, researchers found that 79% of tracked specimen spent the majority of their time concealed under the cover of soil and leaf litter. Although commonly described as diurnal, some reports suggest that the eastern kingsnake is crepuscular or nocturnal during the hottest parts of the year. It will often retreat into rodent burrows as nocturnal retreats. It has been found that eastern kingsnake home ranges often show little-to-no overlap. Some studies show that the eastern kingsnake (L. g. getula) is territorial, especially males, which will engage invading snakes in combat if their territory is threatened. ==Diet==

Lampropeltis getula eats other snakes, including venomous snakes such as the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), which is responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other in the United States, as well as coral snakes (genera Micruroides and Micrurus), the massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), and other rattlesnakes (genera Crotalus and Sistrurus). Nonvenomous snakes preyed upon include the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), the common watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), the ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus), the smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae), and the worm snake (Carphophis amoenus). Due to their diet of other snake species, kingsnakes of the genus Lampropeltis are a key factor in the spread of ophidiomycosis. This is a relatively new snake fungal disease originating from the fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. This disease has a variety of impacts on snakes and the extent of this impact is still being researched. ==Reproduction==

Lampropeltis getula is oviparous. Adult females lay up to several dozen eggs that hatch after 2.0–2.5 months of incubation. Hatchlings are brightly colored and feed on small snakes, lizards, and rodents. Neck-biting is a common behavior when mating. ==In captivity==

Long a favorite among collectors, Lampropeltis getula does well in captivity, living to 25 years or more. Some of the most popular subspecies of the common kingsnake kept in captivity are the California, Brooks', Florida, and Mexican black kingsnakes. ==Subspecies==