Texas is home to seven different kinds of king snakes, each with its own unique appearance and lifestyle. King snakes are unique among constrictors in that they are not deadly, and they are also capable of eating other snakes, including venomous ones.
They populate the state’s varied environments, from dry scrub to verdant forest and meadow. In this article, we will provide information on “How Many Types of King Snakes of Texas?”
How Many Types of King Snakes of Texas
1. Common King Snake
In Texas, Lampropeltis getula, or the common king snake, predominates. Its natural habitats include from forests and grasslands to urban areas.
The most common king snakes are black or dark brown, with yellow or white stripes, rings, or crossbars. They can grow to a maximum of 5 feet in length, but often only 3 or 4 feet.
2. Prairie King Snake
The prairie king snake, Lampropeltis calligaster, is another species of king snake found frequently in Texas. Its normal environments are grasslands, prairies, and woodlands. Prairie king snakes are often a dull gray or light brown all over, with darker gray, brown, or reddish-brown bands running lengthwise.
Their heads and undersides are the same color, making them difficult to distinguish. Prairie king snakes can grow to a maximum of 4 feet in length, however the vast majority of adults are only 2 to 3 feet in length.
3. Speckled Kingsnake
The speckled kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki) is one of the more unique king snakes found in Texas. Canyons and hilltops are two of its favorite habitats because of the rock.
The body of a speckled kingsnake is covered in irregular black and brown speckling. Their heads and undersides are the same color, making them difficult to distinguish. A typical speckled kingsnake will be between 2 and 3 feet long.
4. Gray-Banded Kingsnake
West Texas is home to a small king snake species called the gray-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis annulata). Canyons and hilltops are two of its favorite habitats because of the rock.
Gray-banded kingsnakes, which can be seen in a range of grays and browns, feature a series of thin black bands down their bodies. Their heads and undersides are the same color, making them difficult to distinguish. Most adults are only around two feet long, but the maximum length for a gray-banded kingsnake is three.
5. Eastern Milksnake
In eastern Texas, the eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) is one of the most common milksnake species. Its native habitats include not just forests and woodlands but also grasslands and even urban areas. Typically, an eastern milksnake will be a shade of gray or brown overall, with blotches of darker brown or black extending from head to tail.
Their heads and undersides are the same color, making them difficult to distinguish. The longest eastern milksnake ever seen was 4 feet long, but most adults are significantly shorter.
6. Western Milksnake
The western milksnake (Lampropeltis gentilis) is a common snake found in that part of Texas. Its native habitats include not just forests and woodlands but also grasslands and even urban areas.
A brown or gray snake with a dark brown or black stripe along its back characterizes the Western milksnake. Their heads and undersides are the same color, making them difficult to distinguish. Although the average adult Western milksnake is only about 2–3 feet in length, they can grow to be as long as 4 feet.
7. Trans-Pecos Milksnake
The Trans-Pecos milksnake (Lampropeltis annulata nelsoni) is a subspecies of the gray-banded kingsnake that is found only in the Trans-Pecos region of western Texas. Canyons and hilltops are two of its favorite habitats because of the rock.
The trans-Pecos milksnake typically appears gray or brown with thin black stripes running the length of its body. Their heads and undersides are the same color, making them difficult to distinguish. The longest adult Trans-Pecos milksnake ever reported was a whopping 3 feet long, however most are just about 2 feet.
Ecology of King Snakes
The king snake is an important predator in Texas, eating rodents, smaller snakes, and other vermin. Many animals, including hawks, owls, foxes, and coyotes, prey on king snakes.
King Snake Care
There are a few things you need to know before adopting a king snake into your house as a pet, but they make great companions.
- In order to keep a king snake, you’ll need a large, secure enclosure. The snake’s mental health depends on its having a place to hide in its enclosure. Cage dimensions should be as least as large as the snake itself, both in terms of width and length.
- The substrate in the snake’s habitat should be easy to clean and replace if it gets soiled. As a foundation, you can use a paper towel or newspaper. Other options include using aspen or cypress shavings, which should be replaced often to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- The warm side of a king snake’s enclosure should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cold side should be between 70 and 75. Fifty percent relative humidity is ideal for the enclosure.
- Rodents, lizards, and frogs are common fare for king snakes. Meat, both fresh and frozen, can be fed to king snakes. If you opt to feed your snake live prey, make sure to keep a close check on it at all times to prevent any injuries.
- King snakes require a steady supply of fresh water. Your snake won’t need anything fancier than a dish of water in its habitat to stay hydrated. The water dish should be cleaned daily to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Although king snakes are quite docile, they nevertheless require gentle handling to avoid stress. Holding your snake by the tail might cause serious injury; instead, support the snake’s entire body.
A Table of King Snakes Facts
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Conclusion
If you have experience caring for reptiles, a king snake would make a wonderful pet. If you’re considering making a king snake your pet, be sure you’ve done your research. You’ll need specialized tools to meet its requirements. In this article, we have given information about “How Many Types of King Snakes of Texas”.