Californian Kingsnake Lampropeltis (prev. getula) californiae

The Californian Kingsnake is native to western USA and northwestern Mexico. It used to be considered a subspecies of the Common or Eastern Kingsnake (L. getula). Kingsnakes are so called because they eat other snakes (and lizards, rodents, etc.).

They are diurnal and non-venomous, squeezing prey to death. They have become popular in the pet trade and are bred in different colour "morphs", such as the aberrant colours/patterns above.

They can grow to some 4 feet (1.2 metres) length. Albino (above) and leucistic forms also exist, especially in captivity.