Reptiles of Kings County
A guide of reptiles known to occur in Kings County, California
Ringneck Snake
The ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus, is a species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and southeastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. They are slightly venomous, but their nonaggressive nature and small, rear-facing fangs pose ...more ↓
Racer
Coluber constrictor is a species of nonvenomous, colubrid snake, endemic to North America and Central America. Eleven subspecies, including the nominotypical subspecies, are recognized, which as a group are commonly referred to as the eastern racers.
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans is a species of medium-sized colubrid snake commonly referred to as the glossy snake or the faded snake, which is endemic to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus Arizona has only one officially recognized species, A. elegans, with several subspecies. Some have recommended that A. elegans occidentalis be granted ...more ↓
Giant Garter Snake
The giant garter snake, Thamnophis gigas, is the largest species of garter snake. It is largely aquatic.
Long-nosed Snake
The long-nosed snake, Rhinocheilus lecontei, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake, which is endemic to North America. It is the only species in the genus Rhinocheilus, but has four recognized subspecies, though more modern research has cast some doubt on that classification.
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to North America. Six subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies, Pituophis catenifer catenifer, described here. This snake is often mistaken for a diamondback rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished from a rattlesnake by the lack of black and white banding on its ...more ↓
Common Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula (Common names include eastern kingsnake,common kingsnake,chain kingsnake, (more)) is a harmless colubrid species found in the United States and Mexico. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Eight subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Night Snake
Hypsiglena torquata, commonly known as the night snake, is a species of rear-fanged, colubrid. It is found throughout the southwestern and western United States, as well as in Mexico and British Columbia, Canada. The number of subspecies varies depending on the source, but it is generally accepted that there are 17.
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus is a venomous pit viper species found in North America in the western United States, parts of British Columbia, and northwestern Mexico. Seven subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake, commonly referred to as the coachwhip or the whip snake, which is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Seven subspecies are recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies.
Striped Racer
The California Whipsnake, Masticophis lateralis, and also known as the Striped Racer, is a colubrid snake. It is found in habitats of the coast, desert, and foothills of California.
