Gray-Banded Kingsnake

Scientific Name: Lampropeltis Alterna

Gray-Banded Kingsnake

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Gray-banded kingsnake is a small-sized snake belonging to colubridae family. It is non-venomous and scales cover all its body. The snake is not harmful to humans and some scientists have discovered that it administers a medically significant snakebite. It has a unique coloration, protruding eyes and a post ocular stripe. Many snakes of these species have a black head although some have gray heads. The gray-banded kingsnake boasts a variety of gray and orange coloration on its body therefore, exhibiting various patterns. Adult snake has a length that ranges from 47 to 57 inches. Its scientific name is Lampropeltis alterna.

Gray-Banded Kingsnakes Are Beautiful Creatures


Gray-Banded Kingsnake

Facts About Gray-Banded Kingsnakes


Geographic Location

Gray banded kingsnake survives within a wide geographical range that includes northern Mexico, New Mexico, in addition to southeastern Texas.


Habitat

Gray-banded kingsnake has a wide diversity of habitats. One finds this snake in habitats such as desert flats, talus slopes, arroyos, rocky canyons, boulders as well as limestone ridges. Due to diverse habitats, gray-banded king snake lives in many continents in the world.


Behavior

Gray banded kingsnake is active during the night therefore is termed as nocturnal. It is very rare for one to find them daytime however; one may find them during dusk or dawn. In some occasions, thunderstorms scare them from their hideouts.


Reproduction

Gray-banded snakes have a unique breeding pattern that occurs immediately after winter. This allows the hatchlings to survive and avoid winter’s harsh climatic condition. On average, the snake hatches approximately four to thirteen eggs. Eventually, the eggs hatch to hatchlings that are seven inches long. The entire breeding season lasts for thirty days.


Captivity

Due to their calmness and harmlessness, people keep gray-banded kingsnakes captivity. People trade them as pets due to their beautiful patterns, small size and calm disposition. Scientists crossbreed captured snakes with other species to produce hybrids that have special characteristics.


Gray-Banded Kingsnake
Snakes can’t bite food so they have to swallow it whole.