Florida Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana)

Description

Size

On average, the full-grown serpents attain a size of 3.5-5 ft (106.7-152.4 cm), but 6 ft (182.9 cm) individuals have been recorded.

Color and Appearance

The species has a brown to black base color with yellow-white bands and can have a speckled appearance. The belly is mottled, and the oval head has round pupils. Smooth, glossy scales cover the body and the snake has a black tongue.

Are They Dangerous to Humans

On confrontation, the Florida kingsnake typically flees. It is not aggressive and rarely attacks people. Potential threats are warned by wiggling the tail in dry leaves, mimicking the sound of rattlesnakes. The shy snake avoids contact with people or pets and bites only if people intentionally and constantly bother it.

Florida Kingsnakes at a Glance

Distribution

The species is found throughout central Florida to the southern tip of the state, excluding the keys.

Habitat

It lives in marshes, forests, estuaries, and grasslands. It prefers moist, coastal-type habitats like marshes, swamp edges, and dikes.

Lifespan

The Florida kingsnake lives for 10-15 years.

Predators

The colubrid falls prey to mammals, alligators, and birds of prey. It uses quick, jerky movements, flashing its bands, to startle its predators.

Diet

The opportunistic feeders eat rodents, frogs, bird eggs, lizards, toads, young turtles, turtle eggs, and other snakes (including venomous ones, as it is immune to the poison).

Reproduction

Oviparous (lays eggs that hatch outside the body)

The males fight among themselves to mate with a female. The winner of the fight is the one that gets others to retreat by pinning their heads to the ground. A female lays 3-30 eggs in a clutch. The hatchlings are 5-8 inches (12.7-20.32 cm) in length.

Similar Species

Brook’s Kingsnake

The Brook’s kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula brooksi) can be distinguished from the Florida kingsnake by the thinner cross-bands that are much higher in number. It has more speckling and a paler color (mostly very light yellow).

Care Sheet

The hardiness, docile nature, and beautiful pattern make the Florida kingsnake a popular pet.

Size of the Enclosure: It needs to be kept in a 20-40 gallon aquarium.

Temperature: The temperature of the enclosure should be 84-90°F during the day and 68-75°F at night.

Humidity: The average humidity level of the tank should be 70-80%.

Substrate: Aspen shavings are ideal as the substrate as the pet can burrow in it.

Feeding: The babies can be fed fuzzie or pinkie mice. The size of the food should gradually be increased till the snake becomes an adult when it can be fed large mice.