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This site was created by students in the herpetology class at Towson University.  Site last updated: 05/21/07.

Acknowledgements: Herb Harris - Range Maps;  Mark Tegges - Photography; Dan Lapascha & Gigi Forester - TU Herpetology Logo

Yellow-bellied kingsnake

Description

    The brown kingsnake is a larger snake ranging from 76.2 – 132.4 cm in length.  The dorsal surface is tan, gray or yellowish-brown with dark bordered green, red or brown blotches.  The lateral surfaces have 2 alternating rows of smaller spots that are less visible.  A distinctive V- or arrow-shaped mark is found on the head.  A dark line is may be seen running from the eye to the angle of the jaw and the lips may have dark strips or sutures.  As individuals age, the patterns described above tend to fade or are masked by darker pigmentation and some will develop 4 longitudinal stripes.  This snake has smooth scales in 21-27 rows with an undivided anal plate.

Habitat

    The brown kingsnake is very secretive in nature and usually remains burrowed within loose soil or underneath rocks.  Typical habitats are open sunny areas such as farmland, barnyards and open fields.  They can also be found on hillsides and in open woodlands.

Breeding

    Female brown kingsnakes nest between June and July.  Five to seventeen eggs, 1.75 -  2” long, are laid in an underground cavity.  Hatching takes place in August to September after 7 -11 weeks of development.  Young are 20-28 cm in length. 

Distribution in Maryland

Range map adapted from Harris, 1975. 

Links

http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=26

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/Lampropeltiscalligaster.htm