Difference between revisions of "King snake"
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The '''king snake''' is a common name for [[snake]]s of genus ''Lampropeltis'' (also including [[milk snake]]s) found in [[North America]], specifically the eastern [[United States]]. They subsist on a diet of [[rodents]], [[birds,]] and other snakes. Specifically, king snakes are immune to [[rattlesnake]] and [[copperhead]] [[venom]], which allows them to feed on these species. King snakes are considered beneficial animals due to their pest controlling diet.<ref>http://www.everwonder.com/david/snakes/kingsnake.html</ref> | The '''king snake''' is a common name for [[snake]]s of genus ''Lampropeltis'' (also including [[milk snake]]s) found in [[North America]], specifically the eastern [[United States]]. They subsist on a diet of [[rodents]], [[birds,]] and other snakes. Specifically, king snakes are immune to [[rattlesnake]] and [[copperhead]] [[venom]], which allows them to feed on these species. King snakes are considered beneficial animals due to their pest controlling diet.<ref>http://www.everwonder.com/david/snakes/kingsnake.html</ref> | ||
The coloration of king snakes is usually black, red and white, which imitates the colors of venomous [[coral snake]]s. This makes potential predators avoid king snakes. | The coloration of king snakes is usually black, red and white, which imitates the colors of venomous [[coral snake]]s. This makes potential predators avoid king snakes. | ||
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| + | King snakes are one of the most common species of snake to be kept as pets. They are pysically resillient and thus straightforward to care for. They also have a mild, easy temprement, once used to human contact and, once adapted, take well to handling. However, as hatchilings they can be shy and nervous, and need careful handling.<ref>http://www.reptileexpert.co.uk/KeepingKingSnakesPets.html</ref> Like most snakes, they need plenty of places to hide in order to feel secure, and can be agoraphobic if their enclosure too large or open. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 14:50, March 25, 2009
The king snake is a common name for snakes of genus Lampropeltis (also including milk snakes) found in North America, specifically the eastern United States. They subsist on a diet of rodents, birds, and other snakes. Specifically, king snakes are immune to rattlesnake and copperhead venom, which allows them to feed on these species. King snakes are considered beneficial animals due to their pest controlling diet.[1] The coloration of king snakes is usually black, red and white, which imitates the colors of venomous coral snakes. This makes potential predators avoid king snakes.
King snakes are one of the most common species of snake to be kept as pets. They are pysically resillient and thus straightforward to care for. They also have a mild, easy temprement, once used to human contact and, once adapted, take well to handling. However, as hatchilings they can be shy and nervous, and need careful handling.[2] Like most snakes, they need plenty of places to hide in order to feel secure, and can be agoraphobic if their enclosure too large or open.