| Species | Lampropeltis zonata Blainville |
| Family | Colubridae (Colubrids) |
| Status | State Candidate |
| State Rank | S1 |
| Global Rank | G4G5 |
|
|
|||||||||||
A medium-sized snake with red, black, and white bands. The red bands are bordered by black. The scales are smooth and occur in 21 or 23 rows at mid-body. The pupil is round. Adults range in size from 50 to 100 cm total length. California Mountain Kingsnakes superficially resemble the venomous coral snakes, but are harmless. See Photos Page.
No other snake in Washington has this color pattern. A white snout or white spots on the black bands would indicate a different species, as would a lack of red bands. See Photos Page.
Little is known about this species in Washington. It is chiefly diurnal, but may be nocturnal during warm weather. Similar to other snakes that occupy the same area, it most likely becomes active in late March or April and remains active until October. Mating probably takes place in May with eggs laid in June or July. The incubation period is approximately 60 days.
The Washington range is limited to the southernmost areas of eastern Skamania County and western Klickitat County. The Washington range is isolated from the rest of the species' range by approximately 200 miles. Unsubstantiated reports exist for the Blue Mountains and Yakima County. See Distribution Map.
For information on the complete range of this species, see NatureServe Explorer.
The species occurs in moist microhabitats in Oregon White Oak-Ponderosa Pine forest where individuals are usually found under woody debris and rocks.
The status is based on the small range and sparse number of sightings in Washington. The Washington occurrence is also significant because it is at the northern extreme of the species' range and is isolated by over 200 miles from the rest of the range in southern Oregon and California.
All sightings of this species should be reported to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Of special interest is any sighting that occurs outside the known distribution. Research is needed on the population status in Washington and on habitat requirements.
Habitat alteration, destruction of overwintering sites and illegal, unregulated collecting are the main threats to this species.
Johnson (1939), Nussbaum et al. (1983), Stebbins (1985), Storm and Leonard (1995).
Hallock, L.A. and McAllister, K.R. 2005. California Mountain Kingsnake. Washington Herp Atlas. http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/herp/