Snake Species Dinosaur species

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

SONORAN MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE
Lampropeltis pyromelana

SONORAN MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE   <br />  Lampropeltis pyromelana - snake species | gveli | გველი

SONORAN MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE
Lampropeltis pyromelana

DESCRIPTION:
A medium-sized (up to 1,088 mm or 43" in total length) snake with alternating red, black, and white bands. The white bands are bordered by black bands.

The black bands become wider mid-dorsally and often merge together at the midline of the back thereby "bridging" across the red bands. The black bands become more narrow on the lower sides and often disappear before reaching the belly. The head is noticeably wider than the neck and the snout is white or cream colored. The pupils are round and the scales are smooth and shiny. Its light colored snout distinguishes this snake from the similar looking Milksnake.

DISTRIBUTION:
In Arizona this snake is found at elevations ranging from 3,000' to 9,000'. Its range extends from the extreme northwestern corner of the state, across the central mountains and Mogollon Rim country, into the "sky island" mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona.

HABITAT:
This snake occupies communities ranging from Interior Chaparral up through the highest elevations of Petran Montane Conifer Forest. It is often found on heavily wooded, rocky slopes or in steep canyon bottoms with abundant leaf-litter, fallen logs, and rocks. It also inhabits relatively open rolling hills and grasslands in transition zones.

BEHAVIOR:
The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is primarily diurnal but is occasionally found out on warm, moist nights. It is frequently encountered foraging in the mid-morning or just before sunset. this snake is primarily a ground-dweller but is adept at climbing and is occasionally encountered in trees or high on boulders. It hibernates during the cold months of late fall and winter. When captured this snake does not hesitate to bite and discharge foul-smelling musk and feces.

DIET:
This relatively powerful constrictor preys on lizards, rodents, birds, and bats.

REPRODUCTION:
Mating takes place in spring and a clutch of up to 9 eggs is laid in late spring or early summer. Hatchlings emerge in late summer.

SUBSPECIES FOUND IN AZ:

UTAH MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis. This subspecies is found north of the Colorado River and usually has 9 lower labial scales.

ARIZONA MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana. This subspecies is found south of the Colorado River and usually has 10 lower labial scales.

MEXICAN GARTERSNAKE <br /> Thamnophis eques | Snake Species Diadophis punctatus pulchellus - Coral-bellied Ring-necked Snake | Snake Species Nerodia erythrogaster  - Plain-bellied Watersnake | Snake Species
Diadophis punctatus arnyi - Prairie Ring-necked Snake | Snake Species Arizona elegans occidentalis - California Glossy Snake | Snake Species Pituophis catenifer catenifer - Pacific Gopher Snake | Snake Species
Coluber constrictor priapus - Southern Black Racer | Snake Species  COMMON KINGSNAKE  Lampropeltis getula | Snake Species Salvadora hexalepis virgultea - Coast Patch-nosed Snake | Snake Species
Crotalus ruber - Red Diamond Rattlesnake | Snake Species Pituophis catenifer annectens - San Diego Gopher Snake | Snake Species MILKSNAKE  Lampropeltis triangulum | Snake Species
Croatalus molossus - Black-tailed Rattlesnake | Snake Species Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha nuchalata - California Nightsnake | Snake Species Python molurus molurus - Indian Rock Python | Snake Species
HOODED NIGHTSNAKE  Hypsiglena  | Snake Species Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi - Valley Gartersnake | Snake Species Thamnophis elegans vagrans - Wandering Gartersnake | Snake Species
Diadophis punctatus similis - San Diego Ring-necked Snake | Snake Species Pituophis catenifer affinis - Sonoran Gopher Snake | Snake Species Crotalus cerastes cerastes - Mohave Desert Sidewinder | Snake Species

Copyright © 2012