Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Family: Colubridae |
| Genus: Lampropeltis |
| Species: Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Eastern milk snakes can grow to around 26-52 inches in length and contain smooth, shiny scales. They are distinctly patterned in brown patches outlined in black along a gray-tan body. The patches are large and noticeable, with an additional V-shaped patch on the back of the neck.
Habitat & Range
Eastern milk snakes can be found in open woods, fields, and forest edges throughout the eastern United States. During the winter, they can be found hidden in burrows and subterranean dens.
Behavior
Eastern milk snakes are secretive and spend most of their time hidden under rocks, logs, and debris. They are most active at night and prefer to prey on rodents but will also hunt small birds and snakes, and will kill prey through the act of constriction.
Life Cycle
After winter hibernation, eastern milk snakes emerge from their dens and breed in the summer. Females will lay clutches of eggs under logs or in burrows under soil. Size of females can influence the number of eggs laid as larger snakes can lay more. Eggs tend to hatch in late summer or early fall and hatchlings will reach full maturity at around 3 years of age.
Featured image by Per Verdonk