The Eastern Black Kingsnake, Lampropeltis nigra
The Eastern Black Kingsnakes was recently revised from what was a sub-species to a full blown species, Lampropeltis nigra. This snake has a relatively small range when compared to many other species that used to also be included in what was the getula complex. A considerable amount of variation occurs in this snake across its range. I appreciate this snake in all of its forms but can’t help but to like the ones that are the most black and also the most shiny. Many EBK retain a lot of pattern and others can have a dull look. The specimen pictured was found in a North-Central Kentucky county and exhibits the attributes that I most appreciate. Because the majority and most centrally located portion of this snake’s range is in Kentucky I have often wanted for this to be named the State Reptile of Kentucky.

While it is true that most snakes are loathed by many people, this snake is one that the majority of local and rural people recognize as being beneficial. In time I also suspect that this species will catch the interests of those who like to keep kingsnakes. In addition to being attractive, easy to keep, and somewhat rare in collections, this species is also smaller than many of the other kings from the Eastern US and this makes it more attractive to keepers who have space-related issues. In my experience males make the best captives with fewer health complications and whose dispositions lend themselves to educational programs, live interactions, and handling.