Lampropeltis calligaster (State Status: S3; vulnerable)
Description
Smooth scales, brown, tan, or gray coloration coloration, and brown blotching are all characteristics of the Prairie Kingsnake. Space between blotches is about the same size as the blotches (Behler & King 1979). Belly is white or yellowish, sometimes checkered (see below). They inhabit open grassy areas like prairies, rocky hillsides, and agricultural fields, occasionally near water. Relatively uncommonly observed in Mississippi (secretive). An adult may reach 15 – 30 inches in length (Powell et al., 2016).
Identifying Traits
- Smooth brown, tan, or grayish coloration
- Blotches are equal in size to the space between blotches (differentiates from Mole Kingsnake)

Habitat
Grasslands, prairies, rocky hillsides, agricultural fields
Behavior
Secretive, often in animals burrows, may be seen crossing roads or active in spring
Diet
Eats small mammals, frogs, lizard, other snakes