Lampropeltis getula

{{Speciesbox

| name = Eastern kingsnake

| image = Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula).jpg

| image_caption = This snake was found predating a diamondback terrapin nest.

| status = LC

| status_system = IUCN3.1

| status_ref = {{cite iucn |author=Hammerson, G.A. |date=2019 |title=Lampropeltis getula |volume=2019 |page=e.T67662588A67662645 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T67662588A67662645.en |access-date=November 19, 2021}}

| genus = Lampropeltis

| species = getula

| authority = (Linnaeus, 1766)

| range_map = File:Lampropeltis getula complex distribution map.png

| synonyms = *Coluber getulus
{{small|Linnaeus, 1766}}

Ophibolus getulus
{{small|— Baird & Girard, 1853}}
Coronella Getulus
{{small|— A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron
& A.H.A. Duméril, 1854}}
Ophibolus getulus
{{small|— Cope, 1875}}
Ophilobus [sic] getulus
{{small|— Cope, 1892}} (ex errore)
Coronella getula
{{small|— Boulenger, 1894}}
Triaeniopholis arenarius
{{small|F. Werner, 1924}}
Lampropeltis getula goini
{{small|Neill & Allen, 1949}}
Lampropeltis getula
{{small|— Stebbins, 1985}}
Lampropeltis getula
{{small|— Conant & Collins, 1991}}
Lampropeltis getula
{{small|— Liner, 1994}}

| synonyms_ref = {{NRDB species|genus=Lampropeltis|species=getula|date=June 29, 2008}}

}}

Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the eastern kingsnake,Conant R (1975). A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. (First published in 1958). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 429 pp + 48 plates. {{ISBN|0-395-19979-4}} (hardcover), {{ISBN|0-395-19977-8}} (paperback). (Lampropeltis getulus getulus, p. 202). common kingsnake,Behler JL, King FW (1979). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. LCCCN 79-2217. {{ISBN|0-394-50824-6}}. (Lampropeltis getulus, pp. 618-620). or chain kingsnake,Mehrtens JM (1987). Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. {{ISBN|0-8069-6460-X}}. is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.{{ITIS |id=209247 |taxon=Lampropeltis getula |accessdate=June 29, 2008}} All of these taxa had originally been described as distinct species and recognized as such for up to 101 years.

Description

File:Eastern Kingsnake (2008).jpg

File:Dixie County Florida Kingsnake.jpg]]

Adult specimens of the speckled kingsnake, L. g. holbrooki, are the smallest race at {{convert|91.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} in snout-to-vent length (SVL) on average, while L. g. getula is the largest at {{convert|107|cm|in|abbr=on}} SVL on average.{{Cite web|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lampropeltis_getula.html|title = Lampropeltis getula (Common Kingsnake)}} Specimens up to {{convert|208.2|cm|in|abbr=on}} in total length (including tail) have been recorded.{{cite web |url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Lampropeltisggetula.htm |title=Lampropeltis getula getula |website=www.flmnh.ufl.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010224001059/http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Lampropeltisggetula.htm |archive-date=2001-02-24}} Weight can vary from {{convert|285|g|oz|abbr=on}} in a small specimen of {{convert|87.2|cm|in|abbr=on}} in total length, to {{convert|2268|g|oz|abbr=on}} in large specimens, of over {{convert|153|cm|in|abbr=on}} in total length.{{Cite web |url=http://stkctr.biol.sc.edu/Reprints/Reprints_4/Steen_2010.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=July 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202306/http://stkctr.biol.sc.edu/Reprints/Reprints_4/Steen_2010.pdf |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

The color pattern consists of a glossy black, blue black, or dark brown ground color, overlaid with a series of 23-52 white chain-like rings.Wright AH, Wright AA (1957). Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. 2 volumes. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1,105 pp. {{ISBN|0-8014-0463-0}}. (Lampropeltis getulus getulus, pp. 372-376). Variation is found in their patterns across geographic ranges.{{Cite journal |last=Alexander Pyron |first=R. |last2=Burbrink |first2=Frank T. |date=2009 |title=Lineage diversification in a widespread species: roles for niche divergence and conservatism in the common kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04292.x |journal=Molecular Ecology |language=en |volume=18 |issue=16 |pages=3443–3457 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04292.x |issn=1365-294X|url-access=subscription }} Kingsnakes from the coastal plains have wider bands, while those found in mountainous areas have thinner bands or may be completely black.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}

Common names

Common names for L. getula include eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake, kingsnake, Carolina kingsnake, chain snake, bastard horn snake, black kingsnake, black moccasin, common chain snake, cow sucker, horse racer, master snake, North American kingsnake, oakleaf rattler, pied snake, pine snake, racer, rattlesnake pilot, thunder-and-lightning snake, thunderbolt, thunder snake, wamper, wampum snake.

Geographic range

L. getula is found in the southeastern United States from southern New Jersey to Florida.

Habitat

The preferred habitats of L. getula are open areas, particularly grassland, but also chaparral, oak woodland, abandoned farms, desert, low mountains, sand, and any type of riparian zone, including swamps, canals, and streams. A study on the habitat use of the Eastern Kingsnake found that overall they prefer and can be found in sites with thick layer of leaf litter and dense shrubbery. From their observations throughout the course of research, they found that 79% of their tracked specimen spent the majority of their time concealed under the cover of soil and leaf litter.{{Cite journal |last1=Wund |first1=Matthew A. |last2=Torocco |first2=Michael E. |last3=Zappalorti |first3=Robert T. |last4=Reinert |first4=Howard K. |date=September 2007 |title=Activity Ranges and Habitat Use of Lampropeltis getula getula (Eastern Kingsnakes) |url=https://bioone.org/journals/northeastern-naturalist/volume-14/issue-3/1092-6194_2007_14_343_ARAHUO_2.0.CO_2/Activity-Ranges-and-Habitat-Use-of-Lampropeltis-getula-getula-Eastern/10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14[343:ARAHUO]2.0.CO;2.full |journal=Northeastern Naturalist |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=343–360 |doi=10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14[343:ARAHUO]2.0.CO;2 |s2cid=84312480 |issn=1092-6194|url-access=subscription }}

Although commonly described as diurnal, some reports suggest that the Eastern Kingsnake are crepuscular or nocturnal during the hottest parts of the year.Howze, Jennifer & Smith, Lora. (2012). Factors Influencing Eastern Kingsnake Diel Activity. Copeia. 2012. 460-464. 10.2307/23273252. They will often retreat into rodent burrows as nocturnal retreats.{{Cite journal |last=Godley |first=J. Steve |last2=Halstead |first2=Brian J. |last3=McDiarmid |first3=Roy W. |date=2017-12-01 |title=Ecology of the Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) at Rainey Slough, Florida: A Vanished Eden |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1655/herpmonographs-d-16-00006.1 |journal=Herpetological Monographs |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=47 |doi=10.1655/herpmonographs-d-16-00006.1 |issn=0733-1347|url-access=subscription }}

It has been found that Eastern Kingsnake home ranges often show little-to-no overlap.{{Cite journal |last1=Steen |first1=David A. |last2=Smith |first2=Lora L. |date=September 2009 |title=Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Getula Getula) Home Ranges Exhibit Limited Overlap |url=https://bioone.org/journals/southeastern-naturalist/volume-8/issue-3/058.008.0316/Eastern-Kingsnake-Lampropeltis-Getula-Getula-Home-Ranges-Exhibit-Limited-Overlap/10.1656/058.008.0316.full |journal=Southeastern Naturalist |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=553–558 |doi=10.1656/058.008.0316 |s2cid=85945120 |issn=1528-7092|url-access=subscription }}

Some studies show that Eastern Kingsnakes (L. g. getula), especially males, are territorial, and will engage invading snakes in combat if their territory is threatened.

Diet

L. getula eats other snakes, including venomous snakes such as copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix), which are responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other in the United States, as well as coral snakes (Micruroides and Micrurus), massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus), and other rattlesnakes (Crotalus and Sistrurus).{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lampropeltis_getula/|title=Lampropeltis getula (Common Kingsnake)|website=Animal Diversity Web }} Among the non-venomous snakes preyed upon include common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), common watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon), ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus), smooth earth snakes (Virginia valeriae), and worm snakes (Carphophis amoenus).

It has developed a hunting technique to avoid being bitten by clamping down on the jaws of the venomous prey,{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} but even if envenomated, it is immune. It also eats amphibians, turtle eggs, bird eggs (including those of the northern bobwhite [Colinus virginianus]), lizards (such as five-lined skinks [Plestiodon fasciatus]), and small mammals (such as white-footed mice [Peromyscus leucopus]), which it kills by constriction.Schmidt KP, Davis DD (1941). Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (Lampropeltis getulus, "Food", p. 176).

Due to their diet of eating other snake species, kingsnakes are a key factor in the spread of ophidiomycosis. This is a relatively new snake fungal disease originating from the fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. This disease has a variety of impacts on snakes and the extent of this impact is still being researched.{{Cite journal |last1=Davy |first1=Christina M. |last2=Shirose |first2=Leonard |last3=Campbell |first3=Doug |last4=Dillon |first4=Rachel |last5=McKenzie |first5=Christina |last6=Nemeth |first6=Nicole |last7=Braithwaite |first7=Tony |last8=Cai |first8=Hugh |last9=Degazio |first9=Tarra |last10=Dobbie |first10=Tammy |last11=Egan |first11=Sean |date=2021 |title=Revisiting Ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease) After a Decade of Targeted Research |journal=Frontiers in Veterinary Science |volume=8 |page=665805 |doi=10.3389/fvets.2021.665805 |pmid=34136555 |pmc=8200636 |issn=2297-1769|doi-access=free }}

Reproduction

L. getula is oviparous. Adult females lay up to several dozen eggs that hatch after 2.0-2.5 months of incubation. Hatchlings are brightly colored and feed on small snakes, lizards, and rodents. Eastern Kingsnakes (L. g. getula) are active from April–October in most parts of their habitat range and breeding occurs in the spring months.{{Cite journal |last=Wund, Turocco, Zappalorti, & Reinert |date=2007 |title=Activity Ranges and Habitat Use of Lampropeltis getula getula (Eastern Kingsnakes) |jstor=4499924 |journal=Northeastern Naturalist|volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=343–360 |doi=10.1656/1092-6194(2007)14[343:ARAHUO]2.0.CO;2 |s2cid=84312480 }} Neck-biting is a common behavior when mating.{{Cite journal |last1=Kleinginna |first1=Paul R. |last2=Seamens |first2=Joe |date=January 1980 |title=Discrimination in the Eastern Kingsnake Lampropeltis Getulus Getulus |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221309.1980.9920974 |journal=The Journal of General Psychology |volume=102 |issue=1 |pages=153–154 |doi=10.1080/00221309.1980.9920974 |issn=0022-1309|url-access=subscription }}

In captivity

Long a favorite among collectors, L. getula does well in captivity, living to 25 years or more. Some of the most popular subspecies of the common kingsnake kept in captivity are the California, Brooks', Florida, and Mexican black kingsnakes.

Subspecies

cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2 border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse;"

!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Subspecies

!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Authority

!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|Common name

!bgcolor="#f0f0f0"|range

L. g. brooksi

|Barbour, 1919

|Brooks's kingsnake

|style="width:40%"|

L. g. floridana

|Blanchard, 1919

|Florida kingsnake

L. g. getula

|(Linnaeus, 1766)

|eastern kingsnake

L. g. meansi

|Krysko & Judd, 2006

|Apalachicola Lowlands kingsnake

|the Apalachicola Lowlands, Florida

References

External links

{{NRDB species|genus=Lampropeltis|species=getula|date=July 14, 2008}}
[http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/fl-guide/Lampropeltisggetula.htm Eastern Kingsnake] at the [http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ Florida Museum of Natural History]. Accessed June 29, 2008.

getula

Category:Fauna of the Eastern United States

Category:Reptiles of the United States

Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus

Category:Reptiles described in 1766

Category:Reptiles of the Canary Islands