Lampropeltis getula
Field ID: This large, smooth-scaled snake has alternating bands of black and white, or is black with white speckles or blotches. Belly can be white or white with black blotches. Size: 36–72 inches (91.4–182.9 cm).
Habitat: Usually near a permanent stream in shrublands; river bottoms; grasslands.
Distribution: Black-and-white banded form found in far southwestern Colorado. Speckled form found in southeastern Colorado, up to about 5,200 feet.
Field Notes: The common kingsnake is a handsome, very dramatically patterned snake. Though widely distributed across the southern United States, there are not a lot of records of kingsnakes in Colorado, perhaps because they live in remote habitat or because the populations are very localized. When found, kingsnakes are often seen on roads. They’re also found around farms, ranches, and rural developments. They are active during the day, especially early morning and dusk, from May through September. Kingsnakes are mainly ground-dwellers but can climb into shrubs and trees. Kingsnakes can reach nearly 84 inches (213.4 cm) in length in some areas, but in Colorado most are no more than about 40 inches (101.6 cm) long. Some taxonomists consider the speckled kingsnake a separate species.
Legal Status: Species of special concern.
