California Kingsnake

California King Snake
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Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Colubridae Genus: Lampropeltis Species: getula Subspecies: californiae
Trinomial name
Lampropeltis getula californiae (Blainville, 1835)

The California King Snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) is a subspecies of the Common Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula. It is a non-venomous king snake native to Western North America, particuarily Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and California. The snake has dark black or brown and creamy or white markings, but they are very variable in color and pattern. The most common morph has creamy white crossbands on a dark background, but some specimens of this general type appear to be generally light-coloured with darker patches. A second morph, particularly common around San Diego, has longitudinal stripes instead of lateral bands; the form of these is also quite variable.

California King Snakes grow to a length of up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) and weigh as much as 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms).

The diet of the California King Snake is similar to that of other King snakes. Prey items include lizards, birds, and other snakes. However, during time of shedding the snake will refuse to eat because of lack of vision.