![]() ![]() The use of pesticides also plays a part in their classification.Ģ. ![]() This is due in part to their low population and low distribution in Alabama, and also because of the prevalence of fire ants in northern Alabama. The prairie kingsnake is classified as being of moderate conservation concern. They like to live in fields, prairies, woodlots, and rocky hillsides. The prairie kingsnake eats mice and other small mammals, but they have also been known to eat lizards, smaller snakes, amphibians, small birds, and sometimes insects. They typically hunt during the day, but during the peak of summer, they actually become more nocturnal. 6 to 18 eggs are laid, but won’t hatch until August or September. Their mating season is in early spring, after coming out of their winter dormancy. The young are vibrantly spotted, which fades over time. The belly is a cream or yellow color with brown blotches. This elusive snake is usually tan to brownish gray, with brown or rusty blotches down the back. They can grow up to 4 and a half feet in total length. They’re found in scattered locations all throughout the state. The prairie kingsnake is also known as the yellow-bellied kingsnake. Scientific name: Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster Prairie kingsnake Prairie king snake image by Peter Paplanus via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 The 7 types of kingsnakes found in Alabama are the prairie kingsnake, mole kingsnake, eastern kingsnake, black kingsnake, scarlet kingsnake, red milk snake, and the eastern milk snake. Let’s have a quick look at Alabama’s kingsnakes! 7 types of kingsnakes in Alabama If you do come across one though, they’re quite a treat to see as they do not look like other snakes. They’re seldom seen and are rather elusive. Kingsnakes are named as such because they are known to prey on other snakes. Systematic Biology 63:231-250.There are many different types of snakes found in the state, but there are only a few different species of kingsnakes in Alabama. Coalescent species delimitation in milksnakes (genus Lampropeltis) and impacts on phylogenetic comparative analyses. Indiana Academy of Science, Indianapolis, IN. Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. ![]() These snakes are members of the family Colubridae, which is represented by a total of 28 species in Indiana.Ĭonant, R. triangulum) without a subspecific designation. (2014) reorganized the taxonomy of this group and described several new species, recognizing all of Indiana's milksnakes as Eastern Milksnakes ( L. Indiana's milksnakes were once recognized as one of two subspecies-the Red Milksnake ( L. They may be found in dense forests and in open grasslands, but prefer edge habitat. They are most common where prey populations (primarily rodents and lizards) are abundant and are commonly found under boards, sheet metal, and other debris around farms, junkyards, and in old fields. Northern Watersnakes are superficially similar, but have strongly keeled scales and lack patterning on their head.Įastern Milksnakes are found throughout Indiana but are only locally abundant. In northwestern Indiana, Eastern Foxsnakes are similar, but have slightly keeled scales and a more distinct head/neck. In western Indiana, Prairie Kingsnakes can be difficult to differentiate from this species, but they tend to be more robust with less vibrant/distinct coloration. Eastern Milksnakes are medium-sized snakes with most individuals growing to two to three feet (60 - 90 cm) long, and some reaching lengths of nearly four feet (1.2 m) long. Most juvenile Eastern Milksnakes have brighter red colors that fade to brown as they age. Eastern Milksnakes in southwestern Indiana are more typically white-gray with brilliant red blotches and extensive red coloration on the head. Most Indiana Eastern Milksnakes are gray to light brown with darker brown or red blotches/bands. This relatively common and widespread species is easily mistaken for the many other blotched snakes that occur in Indiana. ![]()
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