Short-Tailed Kingsnake

Lampropeltis extenuata

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

This is a very slender, 2 foot long, burrowing snake with a comparatively short tail. Primary color gray on sides and yellow to reddish (rarely mostly gray) between the dark blotches and bars on back. Belly lighter but heavily blotched with dark pigment. Belly is yellowish peppered with brown. Nose is rather sharp. 19 scale rows and single anal plate. Oviparous.

Unique Features:

The relatively sharp nose and extreme slenderness of this snake should identify it. Also consult range maps. This is an uncommon snake that is most often seen as it crosses dirt roads on sunny, warm, mornings. The primary food of this species seems to be crowned snakes, another burrower that occurs in similar sandy habitats.

Habitat and Diet:

Sandy regions, often pine woodlands, in central Florida. The primary food of this species seems to be crowned snakes, another burrower that occurs in similar sandy habitats