Reptiles Most active at dawn and dusk

Mole Kingsnake

Lampropeltis rhombomaculata

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A hidden gem of the Southeast, the Mole Kingsnake is a glossy, subterranean hunter that keeps local rodent populations in check. Though they spend most of their time underground, these beautiful constrictors are a prized find for backyard observers.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

30-40 inches (76-102 cm) in length, occasionally reaching 45 inches (114 cm)

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Colors

Light brown, gray, or reddish-brown base with chocolate-brown or reddish elliptical blotches; older adults may darken to a uniform brown

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Key Features

Smooth, glossy scales with a polished sheen
Muscular, cylindrical body with a small head barely wider than the neck
40-55 dark brown elliptical spots along the back
White or yellowish belly with irregular dark square markings

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Most active at dawn and dusk

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Peak hours 7-10 PM, 5-7 AM

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Season April-October

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Diet Primarily feeds on small mammals like mice and voles, but also consumes lizards, smaller snakes, and occasionally ground-nesting birds or frogs.

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Habitat Open woodlands, forest edges, fallow fields, and suburban backyards with loose, sandy, or loamy soil.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Mole Kingsnake Live?

Native to the Southeastern United States, the Mole Kingsnake is primarily found within the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. Its range begins in the north around the Baltimore area of Maryland and extends south through Virginia and the Carolinas into the Florida Panhandle. Moving westward, they can be found across Georgia and into parts of Mississippi and Tennessee, though they are generally absent from the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

1 Countries

450K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Mole Kingsnake is one of the most secretive and elusive reptiles in North America. As its name implies, it is a fossorial species, meaning it spends the vast majority of its life underground in self-constructed burrows or taking over the tunnels of rodents. Because of this subterranean lifestyle, humans rarely encounter them in the open, and they are most often spotted during the night or immediately following heavy rainstorms when they are forced to the surface.

When encountered, Mole Kingsnakes are generally docile and non-aggressive. They are powerful constrictors that hunt by overpowering their prey and squeezing it until it can be swallowed whole. Like many other kingsnakes, they may vibrate their tails against dry leaves to produce a rattling sound if they feel threatened, a clever defense mechanism meant to mimic a rattlesnake and ward off potential predators.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Mole Kingsnake on a backyard or trail camera is a significant achievement for any wildlife enthusiast because of their subterranean nature. To increase your odds, place your camera near 'edges'—where your lawn meets a wooded area, along the base of a stone wall, or near old stump holes. These snakes often travel along physical barriers, so mounting your camera just 2 to 4 inches off the ground, aimed parallel to a wall or log, is the most effective way to catch them in transit.

Since these snakes are crepuscular and nocturnal, ensure your camera has a high-quality infrared sensor that won't overexpose the reflective, glossy scales of the snake at close range. They are most likely to emerge during periods of high humidity. The absolute best time to have your camera active is on a warm night immediately following a heavy summer rainstorm, as the moisture often drives them out of their flooded burrows and into the open to hunt.

For the best identification footage, use 'Video Mode' or 'Burst' photo settings. Because their brown-on-brown patterns can blend in with leaf litter, a still photo might look like a simple stick, but the fluid movement captured in a video will reveal the snake's muscular build and the characteristic chocolate-colored elliptical spots. Avoid using high-intensity flashes, which can startle the animal; instead, rely on low-glow infrared to observe their natural foraging behavior without interference.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Mole Kingsnake.

Eastern Kingsnake

Much darker (often black) with white or yellow chain-like bands rather than reddish-brown elliptical spots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mole Kingsnakes are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. In the heat of summer, they may only emerge late at night.

The best way to attract them is to provide suitable habitat. Maintain natural areas with thick mulch, leaf litter, or flat stones, and avoid using pesticides that kill the rodents and lizards they rely on for food.

They are constrictors that primarily eat small rodents like mice and voles, but they also hunt lizards and smaller snakes.

Yes, they are quite common in suburban neighborhoods within their range, especially in yards with loose soil or gardens, but they are rarely seen because they stay underground or under cover.

Mole Kingsnakes have smooth, glossy scales and round pupils, whereas Copperheads have keeled (rough) scales, vertical pupils, and distinct hourglass-shaped bands.

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