Lampropeltis getula (Common names include eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake, (more)) is a harmless colubrid species found in the United States and Mexico.
A distinct color pattern and the fact that this species actively hunts for venomous snakes help to protect them from people. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Eight subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Adult specimens can range from 51 to 197 cm (20 to 78 in) in length. Speckled Kingsnakes are the smallest race on average, at 91.5 cm (36.0 in) (in snout-to-vent length) on average, while the nominate is the largest, at 107 cm (42 in) on average. Specimens up to 208.2 cm (82 inches) have been recorded. Weight can vary from 285 g (10.1 oz) in a small specimen of87.2 cm (34.3 in) in length, to 2,268 g (5.00 lb) in large specimens, of over 153 cm (60 in) in length.
Eastern kingsnake, common kingsnake, chain kingsnake, king snake, Carolina kingsnake, chain snake, bastard horn snake, black king snake, black moccasin, common chain snake, common king snake, cow sucker, eastern king snake, horse racer, master
snake, North American king snake, oakleaf rattler, pied snake, pine snake, racer, rattlesnake pilot, thunder-and-lightning snake, thunderbolt, thunder snake, wamper, wampum snake. Also In North Carolina it is called the Pied Piper.
They eat other snakes, including venomous snakes. They have developed a hunting technique to avoid being bitten by clamping down on the jaws of the venomous prey, but even if bitten, they are immune to the venom. They also eat amphibians, turtle eggs, lizards, and small mammals, which they kill by constriction.