Identification
This
dark brown to beige-colored snake measures about 30 to 40 inches in length.
The back is patterned with brown to reddish circular blotches with black borders.
Two alternating rows of smaller blotches flank its body, but they sometimes
fuse into a single row. The young have the same pattern, but it is more vivid,
and the background color is light tan to yellowish-gray. Their pink belly is
checkered with square, yellow-gray blotches. Similar species include: Eastern
Milk Snake
Distribution and Status
The Prairie Kingsnake is found in western Indiana. The species is considered uncommon within the state.
Ecology
Formerly an exclusive prairie-dweller, the Prairie Kingsnake can also be found in abandoned fields and other grassy areas. The Prairie Kingsnake’s diet consists mostly of small mammals, frogs, birds and eggs. This snake plays an important role in curbing the rodent pest population.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499