Desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida)

The Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) is a nonvenomous snake that belongs to the Colubrid family. It is characterized by its glossy dorsum with 42 to 97 thin yellowish vertebral crossbands (1-2 scales wide) that stretch across its back. In some instances, these light crossbands may be absent altogether, or the scales between them may possess light centers, resulting in an entirely light-spotted appearance. Additionally, its snout and face often bear small yellow blotches. Along the lower sides, pale yellow speckles often predominate, adding contrast to its overall appearance. Hatchlings typically measure between 7 to 10 inches in length. As they mature, adult Desert Kingsnakes typically reach lengths of around 36 to 45 inches, with exceptional specimens reaching lengths in excess of 6 feet.

Both adult and juvenile Desert Kingsnakes exhibit predominantly black abdomens adorned with white or pale yellow blotches, marking the outer edges of the ventral plates. The smooth dorsal scales are neatly arranged in 23 to 25 rows at midbody, while the anal plate remains undivided.

In the Tucson area, it is common to see what are known as ‘intergrade’ specimens. These intergrades are a mix of the California kingsnake and the desert kingsnake. These individuals tend to possess patterns that are a mix of both species.

The Desert kingsnake, can primarily be found inhabiting desert regions within southeastern Arizona.

This snake is a habitat generalist, adapting to a diverse range of biotic communities across its range. In Arizona, this species thrives in various habitats, spanning from desertscrubs to grasslands, and extending into the lower reaches of Madrean Evergreen Woodland and Great Basin Conifer Woodland. It exhibits a preference for areas near water sources, including riparian corridors, large drainages, and agricultural lands such as orchards and mesquite bosques. While the Desert Kingsnake is less commonly encountered in open and dry desert regions, it is known to inhabit a multitude of environments, showcasing its adaptability. It can be found sea level to elevations reaching 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). Essentially, the Desert Kingsnake may be found in any rural habitat within its range, demonstrating its flexibility and resilience across diverse ecosystems.

The Desert Kingsnake, known for its ground-dwelling habits, displays varied activity patterns throughout the year. Primarily diurnal during the spring and fall, it transitions to a nocturnal lifestyle to avoid extreme summer heat. During colder months in late fall and winter, it hibernates to conserve energy. When threatened or captured, may exhibit an array of behavior ranging from hissing, striking, rattling its tail in the substrate to mimic a rattlesnake, emit a foul-smelling musk from its vent as a deterrent, or it may just shy away by rolling its’ coils into a ball with its head concealed within its coils.

As an opportunistic feeder, the Desert Kingsnake preys on a diverse range of animals, including lizards, birds, rats, mice, amphibians, small turtles, bird eggs, and even other snakes, such as rattlesnakes. Notably, when a rattlesnake encounters the scent of a kingsnake, the rattlesnake employs a behavior known as "body bridging," elevating the front portion of its body horizontally to appear larger. This tactic, distinct from the common defensive coil of rattlesnakes, does not deter a hungry kingsnake. Instead, it will boldly attack the rattlesnake, biting it behind the head and constricting it until death ensues. Sometimes, the kingsnake will even begin consuming the rattlesnake before it has expired. Kingsnakes do not appear to be affected by rattlesnake venom if injected, suggesting a natural immunity to their toxins

Breeding typically occurs in spring, with females laying clutches between 5 to 17 eggs in late spring or early summer. These eggs hatch in late summer, typically August, contributing to the continuation of the species' population.

Stebbins, R. C., & McGinnis, S. M. (2018). Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (4th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Brennan, T. C. (n.d.-a). Common Kingsnake. The reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. https://reptilesofaz.org/snakes-subpages/h-l-getula/

Common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulas). Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. (n.d.). https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_kingsnake.php

Desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida). iNaturalist. (n.d.-a). https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/104004-Lampropeltis-splendida

Desert kingsnake - lampropeltis getula splendida. ReptilesWeb. (2023, April 15). https://reptilesweb.com/desert-kingsnake/