Western milksnake
Lampropeltis gentilis
Lampropeltis gentilis
HARMLESS
Description:
Despite having a couple of different looks across the state, the western milksnake will have large red saddles outlined in black with white between them. The head may be red with subtle black markings and a white snout, or may be black with a whitish snout. The scales are smooth, the anal plate is single, and the belly will be white with black markings.
Size:
Adults 16 - 36 inches (41 - 91 cm)
Prey:
Rodents, lizards, and snakes
Reproduction:
Mates in spring and lays 2 - 20 elongated eggs in June or July. Eggs hatch in 6 - 9 weeks and young are 5 - 12 inches (13 - 30 cm) long.
Habitat:
Open prairies, woodlands, and farmland
Other Information:
Until recently, the 3 different color morphs in Oklahoma were classified as subspecies. They are all now classified as a single species known as the western milksnake (Lampropeltis gentilis) but here is that older information about them:
The red morph (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila) is found in the eastern 1/4 of the state, except for extreme southeast Oklahoma.
The central plains morph (Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis) is found in central and western Oklahoma.
The Louisiana morph (Lampropeltis triangulum amaura) is found only in extreme southeast Oklahoma.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
Despite having a couple of different looks across the state, the western milksnake will have large red saddles outlined in black with white between them. The head may be red with subtle black markings and a white snout, or may be black with a whitish snout. The scales are smooth, the anal plate is single, and the belly will be white with black markings.
Size:
Adults 16 - 36 inches (41 - 91 cm)
Prey:
Rodents, lizards, and snakes
Reproduction:
Mates in spring and lays 2 - 20 elongated eggs in June or July. Eggs hatch in 6 - 9 weeks and young are 5 - 12 inches (13 - 30 cm) long.
Habitat:
Open prairies, woodlands, and farmland
Other Information:
Until recently, the 3 different color morphs in Oklahoma were classified as subspecies. They are all now classified as a single species known as the western milksnake (Lampropeltis gentilis) but here is that older information about them:
The red morph (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila) is found in the eastern 1/4 of the state, except for extreme southeast Oklahoma.
The central plains morph (Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis) is found in central and western Oklahoma.
The Louisiana morph (Lampropeltis triangulum amaura) is found only in extreme southeast Oklahoma.
Why doesn't the range map show this species in my county?
