Eastern kingsnake | |
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This snake was found predating a diamondback terrapin nest. | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Lampropeltis |
Species: | L. getula
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Binomial name | |
Lampropeltis getula (Linnaeus, 1766)
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Synonyms[2] | |
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Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the eastern kingsnake,[3] common kingsnake,[4] or chain kingsnake,[5] is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States. It has long been a favorite among collectors.[5] Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.[6] All of these taxa had originally been described as distinct species and recognized as such for up to 101 years.