Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis pyromelana

The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is primarily found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its range includes central and southeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and extends south into the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Isolated populations also occur in parts of Utah and Nevada. It inhabits elevations ranging from 2,800 to 9,100 feet (850 to 2,800 meters). This species thrives in a variety of upland habitats, from Interior Chaparral and oak-juniper woodlands to Petran Montane Conifer Forest. It is most commonly encountered on rocky, forested slopes, steep canyon bottoms with abundant leaf litter, or areas with fallen logs and rocks. It is also found in more open, transitional zones like rolling hills and grasslands. Proximity to streams or springs often attracts this snake. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake's distribution spans across the Mogollon Rim and central mountains of Arizona, the "sky island" ranges of southeastern Arizona, and north into Utah and Nevada. Southward, its range continues into Mexico, where populations inhabit mountainous regions. This snake is primarily diurnal but may occasionally be active on warm, moist nights. It is frequently observed foraging during mid-morning or near sunset. While predominantly a ground-dweller, the Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is an adept climber and can be found in trees, on boulders, or under debris. During the colder months of late fall and winter, it enters hibernation. When threatened or handled, it will likely bite, writhe, and release a foul-smelling musk to deter predators. As a strong constrictor, the Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake preys on a variety of small animals. Its diet includes lizards, rodents, birds, bats, and occasionally other snakes and frogs. Its ability to climb expands its range of prey, including nestlings. Mating occurs in the spring, with females laying a clutch of 2-9 eggs in late spring or early summer. The eggs hatch in mid to late summer, producing brightly colored hatchlings. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake shares its range with other visually similar species, such as the Milksnake and the venomous Sonoran Coral Snake. It can be distinguished by its light-colored snout and the black bands separating its red and white patterns. The subspecies Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana is typically found south of the Colorado River and has 10 lower labial scales, while Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis is found north of the river and has 9 lower labial scales.