The Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona

Online Field Guide to The Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Arizona

Yavapai County, AZ

Yavapai Co., AZ	Yavapai Co., AZ	Santa Cruz Co., AZ

Santa Cruz Co., AZ

SONORAN MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE
Lampropeltis pyromelana

Non-Venomous

DESCRIPTION: A medium-sized (up to 1,088 mm or 43″ in total length) snake with alternating red, black, and white bands. The white bands are bordered by black bands. The black bands become wider mid-dorsally and often merge together at the midline of the back thereby “bridging” across the red bands. The black bands become more narrow on the lower sides and often disappear before reaching the belly. The head is noticeably wider than the neck and the snout is white or cream colored. The pupils are round and the scales are smooth and shiny. Its light colored snout distinguishes this snake from the similar looking Milksnake.

DISTRIBUTION: In Arizona this snake is found at elevations ranging from 3,000′ to 9,000′. Its range extends from the extreme northwestern corner of the state, across the central mountains and Mogollon Rim country, into the “sky island” mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona.

HABITAT: This snake occupies communities ranging from Interior Chaparral up through the highest elevations of Petran Montane Conifer Forest. It is often found on heavily wooded, rocky slopes or in steep canyon bottoms with abundant leaf-litter, fallen logs, and rocks. It also inhabits relatively open rolling hills and grasslands in transition zones.

BEHAVIOR: The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is primarily diurnal but is occasionally found out on warm, moist nights. It is frequently encountered foraging in the mid-morning or just before sunset. this snake is primarily a ground-dweller but is adept at climbing and is occasionally encountered in trees or high on boulders. It hibernates during the cold months of late fall and winter. When captured this snake does not hesitate to bite and discharge foul-smelling musk and feces.

DIET: This relatively powerful constrictor preys on lizards, rodents, birds, and bats.

REPRODUCTION: Mating takes place in spring and a clutch of up to 9 eggs is laid in late spring or early summer. Hatchlings emerge in late summer.

SUBSPECIES FOUND IN AZ:
UTAH MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis. This subspecies is found north of the Colorado River and usually has 9 lower labial scales.
ARIZONA MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE Lampropeltis pyromelana
pyromelana. This subspecies is found south of the Colorado River and usually has 10 lower labial scales.

By Thomas C. Brennan

Bartlett. 2000. Snakes of North America: Western Region. Gulf Publishing Co. Houston, TX

Brennan, T. C., and A. T. Holycross. 2006. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, AZ

Brennan, T. C., and A. T. Holycross. 2005. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Maricopa County. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, AZ

Degenhardt, W. G., Painter, C. W., and Price, A. H.. 1996. Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press. Albuquerque.

Fowlie. 1965. The Snakes of Arizona. Azul Quinta Press, Fallbrook, California

Stebbins. 1985. Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin. New York, NY

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Arizona Range Map

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