Scientific Name
- The scientific name of Prairie Kingsnake is Lampropeltis calligaster.
Description
- The colors of this kingsnake are normally light grey or light purple with dark brown or reddish blotches.
- 2 oblong behind the head and darker blotches on both sides of the body.
- Prairie kingsnake has fine and smooth scales.
- Having V shape head.
- The snake is active from April to October.
- And nocturnal during the summer season.
- It is a non-aggressive, calm, and rarely biting snake hence can be well-kept in captivity.
- As it is a non-venomous snake, it helps farmers in curbing rodent pest populations and venomous snakes.
Distribution
- Located in western Indiana and Texas.
- Found also near southern Iowa.
Breeding
- Mating happens from April to May every year.
Nesting
- Egg-bearing.
- They lay 8 to 18 eggs per clutch.
- Eggs are laid from June to July.
- Eggs hatch from August to September.
Size
- Hatchling: 7 to 9 inches long.
- Adult: Up to 42 inches long.
Life Span
- They can live up to 15 years or more.
Diet
- They usually eat rodents, mice, birds, bird eggs, snakes, frogs, lizards, and reptile eggs.
- As their name implies, as kingsnakes, they eat venomous snakes and are yet immune to the venom.
- If you have a Prairie Kingsnake as a pet, you need to provide a bowl of clean water in the enclosure.
Habitat
- They live in open grassland and field with dry soil at the forest edges.
- However, sometimes they are found in pastures and sand prairies.
- That is the main reason they are named as Prairie.
- Their habitat is always near the source of water.