Types of kingsnakes

Lampropeltis is a genus of nonvenomous colubrid snakes native to North and Central America, made up of the animals commonly called kingsnakes and milksnakes. The name comes from Greek roots meaning shiny shield, a reference to their smooth, tightly fitting scales that give the body a polished, glossy look. That sheen, combined with bold banding or chain-like patterning, is one of the most reliable ways to place a snake in this group. Our database lists 20+ species, and not one of them is venomous.

The standout trait that earns these snakes the title king is their diet. They are powerful constrictors that readily eat other snakes, and they are largely immune to the venom of pit vipers. A kingsnake will overpower and consume rattlesnakes and copperheads that would be lethal to most animals their size. This is why finding kingsnakes in an area is often a good sign for people: they help suppress local populations of venomous snakes while also keeping rodents in check.

Patterning in this genus runs from clean alternating bands to the speckled and chain-link looks that give species like the speckled kingsnake and eastern kingsnake their names. The milksnakes are the genus's most famous mimics. Their red, black, and yellow or white banding resembles the coral snake closely enough to deter predators, even though milksnakes are completely harmless. This mimicry is exactly why the old color rhymes meant to separate coral snakes from harmless lookalikes are unreliable, and why identification should never come down to a memorized verse.

Ecologically these snakes are generalist hunters. Beyond other snakes they take rodents, lizards, birds, and eggs, which makes them valuable for natural pest control. Lampropeltis species lay eggs rather than giving live birth. Many of them, especially the California kingsnake, are hardy, even-tempered, and widely kept, which has made the genus one of the most popular among snake enthusiasts.

For people, kingsnakes and milksnakes are harmless and beneficial. They are not venomous, they pose no medical threat, and a yard or field with kingsnakes in it tends to have fewer rodents and fewer venomous snakes. The right response to one in the wild is to leave it alone and let it move on; there is no reason to handle or relocate a wild snake to confirm what it is.