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Desert Kingsnake Common Name: Desert Kingsnake Scientific Name: Lampropelitis getula splendid Information Sheet - Desert Kingsnake
Introduction:The desert kingsnake is a black and yellow colored, non-venomous, beautiful king snake species found in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Its common name is Desert King snake while it is known as Lampropeltis getula splendida scientifically.Description:The desert kingsnake’s head is black in color while the rest of its body spots yellow and black coloration. The color on the labials is pale with wide perpendicular lines. The belly of the snake is usually black The length of the adult species averages thirty six to forty five inches while that of the hatchlings averages seven to ten inches.Geographical range:One can find the desert kingsnake in South and Central Texas westward, Southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona. There are some desert snakes in the Sonora region of Mexico as well. Habitat:This snake species is usually found in brush lands covered with mesquite shrubs not far from water sources. However, one can find some in arid areas.Behavior:The desert kingsnakes is nocturnal; it is usually energetic only in the afternoons and evening hours. It is very secretive and hence it will be found hiding underneath debris and logs. It is normally very nervous in the wild and it displays this by vibrating its tail quickly and adopting a brave defensive display. Some specimens defecate and release bad smelling musk upon being handled.Reproduction:Breeding takes place between the month of April and May. The female lays five to twelve eggs between June and July, which are hatched between August and October.Captivity:In captivity, the desert snake is easily domesticated, as they are very calm in captivity. They can make good pets and eat other unwanted species in ranches. However, some of the desert king snakes are known to escape from captivity after some time. |
