Common Name:

 Mole Kingsnake

Scientific Name:
Lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata
Etymology:
Genus:

Lampropeltis is derived from the Greek words lampros which means "radiant" and pelta meaning "small shields".

 Species:
calligaster is derived from the Greek words kallimos which means "beautiful" and gaster meaning "stomach".
 Subspecies:
rhombomaculata is derived from the Latin words rhombus which refers to the shape of the rhomboid-shaped dorsal blotches and macla which means "spots".
Vernacular Names:
Blotched kingsnake, brown snake, ground snake, house snake, king snake, mole catcher.
Average Length:
30 - 40 in. (76 - 102 cm)
Virginia Record Length: 
40.6 in. (118.8 cm)
Record length:
47 in. (119.4 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

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