Lampropeltis pyromelana

Lampropeltis pyromelana, the Sonoran mountain kingsnake or Arizona mountain kingsnake,[2] is a species of snake native to the southwestern United States. It can grow up to 36 inches (910 mm) in length.[3]

Lampropeltis pyromelana
Lampropeltis pyromelana woodini
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Lampropeltis
Species:
L. pyromelana
Binomial name
Lampropeltis pyromelana
(Cope, 1866)

Distribution and habitat

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Within Arizona, L. pyromelana has a discontinuous range extending from the extreme northwestern corner of the state, across the central mountain ranges and the Mogollon Rim, into the "sky island" mountain ranges of the southeast. They can be found at elevations ranging from 3,000–9,000 feet (910–2,740 m)[4] in a variety of habitats from chaparral to conifer forests, often near streams or springs and associated with juniper woodland.[1]

Ecology

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L. pyromelana feeds on lizards, rodents and nestling birds.[5] It tends to spend the daytime among rocks, logs, or dense clumps of vegetation.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Hammerson, G.A.; Mendoza-Quijano, F. (2019). "Lampropeltis pyromelana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T68045250A68045261. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T68045250A68045261.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Sonoran mountain kingsnake". Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  3. ^ "Lampropeltis Information". University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  4. ^ "Arizona Mountain Kingsnake". Reptile Range. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  5. ^ Thomas C. Brennan. "Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake". Reptiles of Arizona. Archived from the original on June 22, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
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