Getula - The Common Kingsnake

Lampropeltis taken from the Greek words Lampro meaning Shiny and Pelta meaning small Shield.
Getula - Is derived from the word Getulus. Getulus is in connection to the people of Morocco, the Getulians. I read somewhere years ago that the Getulian people used banded type patterns in their art work. In Brian Hubbs book, "Common Kingsnakes" he mentions that it was a Chain-like Design prevalent in Getulian culture. Then in 2001 it was shortened from Getulas to getula. Giving us the present name:

Lampropeltis getula - The Common Kingsnake

Meristics

       1. Parietals   2. Supraoculars    3. Frontal 4. Prefrontals
5. Internasal   6. Rostral     7. Supranasal   8. Postnasal
9. Loreal   10. Preocular   11. Postocular 12. Anterior temporals
13. Upper labials   14. Lower labials

1. Mental 2. Infralabials 3. Anterior chin shields
4. Posterior chin shields 5. Gulars 6. Rostral
7. Supralabials
The line between the anterior and posterior chin shield is called the mental groove.

1. Subcaudals 2. Anal 3. Ventral

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The Dorsal scales of the common kingsnake are smooth, unlike the scales of a Rattlesnake who have keeled scales; as shown below. Notice the elevated longitudinal ridge. Snakes with smooth scales give off the appearance of being wet, therefore some may think they are slimy, this is far from the truth. They are smooth, glossy and soft but not slimy.

Smooth scales of a Kingsnake

Keeled scales of a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

Ecdysis / Shedding

Kingsnakes like all other vertebrates shed their skin, the difference with snakes is that they normally shed their skin in on big piece. This layer of dead skin is called the stratum corneum.

The purpose of this layer of skin is to protect the snake from skin irritations, infections and also aids in keeping the snake hydrated this layer also protects them from unwanted parasites. Kingsnakes live in such harsh environments and continually come in contact with things that damages this layer. In cases of severe injury even the underlying layers of skin can be damaged.

Being that the outer layer doesn't grow with the live underlying layers of skin, they must continually shed off this damaged skin and replace it with a fresh new layer of dermis. The proper term for this process is called ecdysis, most reptile enthusiast call this process shedding or molting.

When the snake begins the shedding process a new layer of skin is produced under the dead layer and proteolytic enzymes and lymphatic fluid is secreted between the new skin layer and the old one. During this process the snake will appear dull or darker and the eyes will go opaque and turn a blue grey color.

This occurrence causes the snakes vision to be impaired and thus become vulnerable to predators. This in turn may cause them to become uncharacteristically aggressive. They will find shelter under a rock a log or just go fossorial.

After about a week their eyes will start to clear and the dead skin is ready to be removed. The Kingsnake will find a rough place to rub its nose and face until the skin starts to separate from the snout. It will then find something to catch the skin on or a tight spot to slither in between, snagging the skin and letting the snake crawl out of it leaving the dead skin behind like a inverted stocking.

Range / Habitat

Kingsnakes are found throughout the majority of North America. They are found in Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey. Baja California and Northern Mexico. I will go more in depth and cover specific ranges with each and every subspecies section within the website.

Also within the pages of this website you will find everything you would ever want to know about all 7 subspecies of The Common Kingsnake -Lampropeltis Getula. I will do my best to cover every aspect of life for this adaptable and versatile species. You will learn how this wonderful species not only lives but thrives through out many diverse habitats. From the sandy Pine Barrens of New Jersey to the human infested concrete jungles of Southern California and a variety of habitat in between.

Lyon Co. Nevada

Osceola Co. Florida

Marion Co. Illinois

Bexar Co. Texas

Livingston Co. Kentucky

Yolo Co. California

Hidalgo Co. California

Santa Cruz Co. Arizona

Kingsnakes inhabit just about every type of habitat natural or man made. Artificial cover is a perfect place to find Kingsnakes. Any piece of cover that provides shelter may be used. The more ground space covered by the shelter the better chance it will house a Kingsnake. These shelters are used to find food, thermoregulate and to hide from predators.

Dead end roads in rural areas with no dumping signs and fields just outside populated areas are normally peppered with garbage/cover and thus can be peppered with Kingsnakes. Garbage pits attracts rodents and rodents attract snakes.