Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Together, highways, shopping centers, and other development, to which may be added collecting for the pet trade, have served to eradicate much of the habitat once inhabited by kingsnakes in South Florida. But some populations of this powerful constrictor, known popularly as the South Florida or Brook’s kingsnake remain. It is immune to the venom of North American pit vipers. Although variable this is usually a light colored snake with a poorly defined cross barred pattern. Oviparous. Hatchlings are darker than adults and have a well-defined chain-like pattern. Scales in 23 rows, anal plate single. Dietary items for this snake include ground nesting mammals and birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Unique Features:

Very light dorsal color, poorly defined pattern and range will help identify this subspecies.

Habitat and Diet:

A wide variety of habitats, from the Everglades to pine woodlands, to pond and ditch edges, to oolitic limestone/rimrock, are acceptable to kingsnakes. Dietary items for this snake include ground nesting mammals and birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Geographic Range:

FL, MS