Lampropeltis getula
| Eastern kingsnake | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Binomial name | |
| Lampropeltis getula (Linnaeus, 1766) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, or chain kingsnake, is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. All of these taxa had originally been described as distinct species and recognized as such for up to 101 years.