Lampropeltis calligaster

(Harlan, 1827)

Vernacular names

English : Yellow-bellied kingsnake
French : Serpent roi à ventre jaune

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach up to nearly 1 m in length. Head isn’t very distinct from neck. Ground coloration is light brown-beige to grey with dark-edged brown blotches on back, flanks and top of head. Some specimens are entirely dark brown.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in North America and is endemic to eastern USA, being found from Nebraska to Virginia, south to Texas and north Florida. Lives in open areas such as prairies, agricultural land, open woodlands.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and remains globally common to locally abundant. It isn’t targeted for international trade, most populations are stable.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation