Other Definitions
king snake (dict)
|
King SnakeLampropeltis alterna
Lampropeltis calligaster
Lampropeltis getula
Lampropeltis mexicana
Lampropeltis pyromelana
Lampropeltis ruthveni
Lampropeltis triangulum
Lampropeltis zonata The genus Lampropeltis of colubrid snakes includes the King snakes and also the milk snake. These snakes eat rodents and can get quite large. Lampropeltis means "shiny shields" and the majority of king snakes have quite vibrant patterns on their skin. King snakes are constrictors and tend to be opportunistic when it comes to their diet; they will eat other snakes (ophiophagy), lizards, rodents, birds, and eggs. They are highly resistant to the venom of other snakes, and have been known to eat them. The "king" in their name (as with the King cobra) is a reference to their taste for other snakes. Species in this genus include the following. In many cases there are numerous subspecies:
|
 |