Arizona Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This snake is immune to the venom of pit vipers. Attaining a length of over 3’, this is one of the larger tricolors of the USA. The nose is usually white or yellow, but is black with white spots on some few examples, the red is often the widest, but the black may break the red rings dorsally. Although some rings may not be complete, the belly is red, white, and black. This is a montane species, finding seclusion beneath rocks or fallen trees, in rockslides,or in canyon crevices. Primarily nocturnal, it may occasionally be seen by day, especially following rains. Smooth scales. Oviparous. Hatchlings similar to adults.

 

Unique Features:

Color, pattern, and montane habitat will identify the “candy-cane” snake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Rock strewn mountainsides and pine woodlands, above 2,800 feet in elevation. Prey of these powerful constrictors includes nestlings of small mammals and birds, lizards, snakes including venomous species, and amphibians.

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, NV, NM