Lampropeltis getula holbrooki

Taxobox
name = Speckled Kingsnake

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image_caption = Speckled Kingsnake
"Lampropeltis getula holbrooki"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Serpentes
familia = Colubridae
genus = "Lampropeltis"
species = "L. getula"
subspecies = "L. g. holbrooki"
trinomial = "Lampropeltis getula holbrooki"
trinomial_authority = Stejneger, 1902

The speckled kingsnake is a non-venomous species of kingsnake found in the central to southern United States from southern Iowa to the Gulf of Mexico. Their range overlaps with the Desert King Snake, "Lampropeltis getula splendida" and it is known to intergrade with that species. They prefer wetter habitats than other kingsnake species.

Speckled kingsnakes grow up to 48 inches. Their common name is derived from their pattern, which is black, with small yellow-white specks on most every scale. They are also known as the 'salt and pepper' snake. Their diet consists of mammals, birds, rodents, lizards and other snakes. They kill by constriction.

When threatened, the speckled kingsnake will shake its tail like a rattlesnake to deter predators. They frequently musk and defecate or bite when threatened.

They can be docile when held and are frequently kept as pets. They are commonly captive bred.

Conservation status

The speckled kingsnake is listed as a threatened species in the state of Iowa.

References

* [http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/reptiles/snakes/speckled_kingsnake.html Iowa Herpetology: Speckled Kingsnake]
* [http://www.kingsnake.com/louisiana/species_speckled_kingsnake.htm Snakes of Louisiana: Speckled Kingsnake]