Kingsnakes of Louisiana
Ranked #1,691 in Pets & Animals, #44,255 overall
Reptile: Lampropeltis species, Beautiful and Beneficial Snakes
Since we were children we have welcomed the gentle, non-poisonous reptile, the King snake into our yard. On this page you will find information about and photographs of the Kingsnake species that inhabit Louisiana.
Kingsnakes are constrictors that live in many habitats, but seem to prefer ridges and levees that border wet areas. These attractive reptiles will kill and eat poisonous snakes, but their most common prey is mice and rats. Members of the Lampropeltis species are very beneficial snakes and are friends of the farmers and gardeners alike. King snakes should be prized and protected from harm because, like other snakes, they are an important link in the food chain.
We hope that this page will encourage many people to welcome this beautiful creature into their habitats.
Contents at a Glance
King Snake Quiz
How much do you know about this gentle, beautiful reptile? Take the quiz and see how you measure up.
If you don't do well, then check out the rest of the page. If you ace it, then you'll enjoy the pictures.
Louisiana Kingsnakes
There are 5 different species of Kingsnakes in Louisiana and a similar looking species, the Scarlet Snake. The photo below was found in Dundee, Harold A. and Douglas A. Rossman's, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana and shows:
A. Common Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getulus
B. Prairie Kingsnake, Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster
C. Mole Kingsnake, Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata
D. Louisiana milk snake, Lampropeltis triangulum amaura
E. Scarlet Kingsnake, Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides
F. Scarlet Snake, Cemphora coccinea
The most common Kingsnake in Southeastern Louisiana, where we reside, is the Common or Speckled Kingsnake. We have had many encounters with this lovely and gentle creature and we welcome them in our habitat. Kingsnakes are constrictors, which means they wrap their bodies around their prey and squeeze until the prey is dead. One unique fact about Kingsnakes is their ability to overpower and kill poisonous snakes without succumbing to their venom.

This great photo of a Speckled Kingsnake killing and eating a venomous Copperhead was taken by Michael Roedel. Click on the photo to go to Flickr to see a larger image or on the link to view more of Michael's outstanding snake photographs.
Kingsnakes primarily eat mice and rats so they are handy to have in the garden or in the yard. If you encourage Kingsnakes to inhabit your area, the rodent population will decrease.
Kingsnakes are egg layers and lay a clutch of from 5 to 17 eggs in the spring.
Kingsnake Photos
To see more pictures of this magnificent snake visit Snake Pictures in Louisiana.
Common Kingsnakes
Young Prairie King Snake
Kingsnakes: Care and Breeding
Scarlet King Snake

Scarlet King Snake by eaglelady1
When trying to tell the non-venomous, Scarlet King snake from the venomous, Coral Snake, always remember the childrens rhyme:
Red on yellow, kill a fellow
Red on black, come on back.
When the red stripe touches a black stripe, the snake is a king snake. When the red and yellow stripes touch, the snake is a Coral snake.
Snakes of N. A. Field Guide
Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes in Captivity
Kingsnakes on Amazon
Speckled Kingsnake on Zazzle
See more designs at Naturally Native Creations on Zazzle.

National Geographic Kids Snakes
National Geographic Readers: Snakes!
Price: 11.90
Juvenile Nonfiction - Readers - Beginner Juvenile Nonfiction - Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians
Non-venomous Louisiana Snakes
Venomous Louisiana Snakes
Other Snakey Lenses
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RKdonnaturner
Jan 18, 2012 @ 8:18 am | delete
- Thanks for your creative details
Vivarium
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RKdonnaturner
Jan 18, 2012 @ 8:17 am | delete
- nice work
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ForestBear
Jul 4, 2011 @ 8:44 pm | delete
- I enjoyed your lens.Very interesting, I didn't know anything about the King Snake. Thank you
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Goldenpig999
Jun 30, 2011 @ 2:39 pm | delete
- I have come across several of your lens all of them presented great information this on included. I hava had california kingsnakes before.
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Apr 1, 2011 @ 6:28 am | delete
- Nice Squidoo. Very enjoyable to read. Chris
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About Naturegirl7
Since we were small children, both Al and I have been fascinated with animals and nature. Al appreciated the reptiles more, but he has taught me about them and now I have an appreciation of snakes and other cold blooded animals. They are all God's creatures and should be respected.
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Kingsnake Blog Posts
- News - Thursday 2/16 - TVF&R Battles One Alarm Fire in West Linn, Snakes Survive
- No one was injured and 3 snakes, including a 5 foot King Snake, were rescued from the home. Firefighters were dispatched to 2014 Virginia Lane in West Linn at 11:55 pm Wednesday after a resident of the home called 911 reporting a fire on the home\'s ...
- Family, snakes escape West Linn town home fire
- But they left three pet snakes behind, including a 5-foot long King Snake, according to firefighters. The reptiles were in terrariums and Lyons said he thought they were dead. But firefighters brought out the terrariums and the snakes inside had ...
- Massage message
- Ada Barak, the owner of the spa, uses California and Florida King snakes, corn snakes and milk snakes in her treatments, which she said were inspired by her belief that once people get over any initial misgivings, they find physical contact with the ...
- NCVMA: Is a pet snake right for you?
- Beginner snake owners may want to choose a smaller and calmer species, such as a corn snake, a ball python, a king snake, a gopher snake or a milk snake. Keep lifespan in mind when choosing your new companion as some snakes can live as long as 40 years ...
Kingsnake Links Voting
Add your own links to the list.
Kingsnake.com
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HerpNet.net - Iowa Reptiles and Amphibians - Common Kingsnake - Lampropeltis getula
Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa and Minnesota with more...0 points
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