20 facts about the Mexican Black Kingsnake:
The Mexican Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) is a nonvenomous snake that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
They are sometimes called the "black milk snake" because their appearance is similar to that of the venomous coral snake.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are typically black in color with white or yellow bands around their body.
They are a subspecies of the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) and are closely related to the California Kingsnake.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are known for their docile temperament and are popular as pets.
They are a relatively small species of snake, with adults typically growing to be 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) in length.
These snakes are active primarily at night and are often found hiding under rocks or in crevices during the day.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by squeezing it to death.
They eat a variety of prey, including rodents, lizards, and other small snakes.
These snakes are not harmful to humans and are not known to bite unless provoked.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
The eggs are typically laid in underground burrows or other protected areas.
These snakes are able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and forests.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are sometimes preyed upon by birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles.
They are also susceptible to predation by other snakes, such as the coachwhip snake.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes are sometimes confused with the venomous coral snake, which has a similar color pattern.
The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is to remember the rhyme "red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack" - meaning that the coral snake has red and yellow bands touching, while the Mexican Black Kingsnake has red and black bands touching.
These snakes are relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 20 years in captivity.
Mexican Black Kingsnakes play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to control populations of rodents and other small animals.
Despite being a popular pet, Mexican Black Kingsnakes are sometimes illegally collected from the wild for the pet trade, which can threaten their populations in some areas.
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