Active during the day, especially early in the morning or near dusk, but becomes nocturnal in the warm summer months. It is primarily terrestrial, occasionally climbing into shrubs. A strong constrictor, it eats snakes - including rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and coral snakes - as well as lizards, mice, birds, and eggs. Record longevity exceeds 24 years.

description 36-82" (91.4-208.3 cm). A large chocolate brown to black kingsnake with a highly variable back and belly pattern. Light-centered scales may form distinct crossbands, "chainlinks," lengthwise stripes, blotches, or speckles on the back. Belly ranges from plain white to heavily blotched with dark pigment to plain black. Scales smooth, in 19-25 rows. Anal plate single.

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