Family: Colubridae, Colubrid Snakes view all from this family
Description 30-56" (76.2-142.7 cm). Tan, grayish-brown, or
yellowish-brown above with black-edged, dark brown to reddish-
brown or greenish blotches down back and 2 alternating rows of
smaller, less conspicuous spots on sides. Interspaces between
blotches about equal in size to blotch. Pattern of older
specimens may be lost or obscured by dark pigment; some develop
4 longitudinal dusky stripes. V-shaped arrowheadlike marking on
crown of head. Belly white to yellowish, clouded or spotted with
brown. Scales smooth, in 25 or 27 rows. Habitat Open fields,
cultivated farmland, barnyards, pastures, prairies, rocky
hillsides, open woodland. Range W. Indiana and w. Kentucky
southwest to the Gulf in sw. Louisiana, west to se. Nebraska, e.
Kansas, Oklahoma, and e. Texas. Discussion There are three
subspecies of this kingsnake: Prairie Kingsnake, which occupies
the western portion of the species range; Mole Kingsnake, found
to the east; and South Florida Mole