It is often found near rocky outcrops and clumps of vegetation, as well as under rocks, logs and debris from sea level to 7000 feet. Mature adults are 30 to 85 inches long and come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually chocolate brown to black. Common Kingsnakes vary greatly in pattern and color. Most usually have a pattern of alternating black and white bands, but these colors may vary to brown, white, cream, or pale yellow, depending on the region found.
Some individuals have black bellies, while others are nearly all black.
Habits The Kingsnake derives its name from its habit of eating other snakes, and is most famous for eating rattlesnakes, copperheads and coral snakes. But it also feeds on other snakes, lizards, birds and their eggs, small mammals, turtles and frogs. It is usually active in the morning and later afternoon but under very hot conditions will be active at night. Although regarded as a gentle snake, when threatened the Kingsnake hisses, strikes and vibrates its tail. When attacked it will roll into a ball with its head in the center, smearing its attackers with musk and feces.