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Lampropeltis pyromelana Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake |
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| Range: |  |
| Other Names: | Pyro |
| Subspecies: | Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana |
| Description: | A striking snake (adults 2.5 - to just under 4 ft) with alternating ringed pattern of white, red and black. Belly ringed or checkerboard pattern. Head wide mostly white with black headcap. Scales are smooth. |
| Similar Species: | The Madrean Mountain Kingsnake can only be differentiated by range. Milksnakes usually have a black snout and fewer than 45 white bands. Longnoses sometimes have a red-black-white banding pattern, but the black bands are speckled with yellow or white. |
| Venom: | None |
| Habitat: | A mountain dweller of rocky taulus slopes near stream and intermittent stream courses in Pinon, Oak, Juniper, Ponderosa, Spruce and Fir forests from 3,000 to 9,000 ft. |
| Behavior: | A secretive diurnal snake. |
| Hibernation: | |
| Reproduction: | Mates in early spring lays a clutch of 3-10 eggs in July or August. |
| Diet: | Adults eat small rodents, frogs and lizards. Young will only eat small lizards. |
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