Species profile
California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis californiae
At a glance
California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 13,056 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Arizona, and Utah the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Adults typically reach 2.5 to 3.5 feet in length, with some exceeding 4 feet.
- They are immune to rattlesnake venom and regularly prey on venomous snakes.
- Powerful constrictors, they kill prey by squeezing rather than using venom.
- Can live over 20 years in captivity.
- Thrive in diverse habitats including deserts, grasslands, chaparral, and woodland edges.
Where California Kingsnake are seen
Background
The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) is a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is a relatively small subspecies of the common kingsnake and is found in a variety of habitats. Due to ease of care and a wide range of color variations, the California kingsnake is one of the most popular snakes in captivity.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's California Kingsnake article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.