Photos by Rob Lovich

Scientific name: Lampropeltis zonata pulchra

Common name: San Diego Mountain Kingsnake

Size: 20-40 in (51-102 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A colorful species with black, white and red crossbands encircling body and tail; smooth, glistening scales; snout and eyes generally black; southern populations often with red spotting on top of head; usually 37 or fewer sets of bands (triads), and most red bands connect across the dorsum.

Juveniles: Similar to adults.

Dimorphism: None

Similar species: Lampropeltis getula: Has light color on snout and no red markings. Rhinocheilus lecontei: Has body bands that do not encircle body, but form saddles; pointed snout, with countersunk lower jaw; undivided subcaudal scales on anterior portion of tail.

Additional notes: A montane species that can occur at lower elevations along wooded drainages in mountains. The same species code is used for both subspecies as they are allopatric on mountains.

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