King snakes belong to the genus Lampropeltis. “King Snakes” is the name given for a number of egg-laying, constricting snakes of North America which show much variation in terms of markings and color. They are arguably one of the most handsome of all serpents. Their real claim to fame is the ability to kill and eat other snakes, including venomous species like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Because of their natural immunity to pit viper venom, the bite from a venomous snake has little effect on them. These snakes are often encountered in the spring or summer, especially after heavy rains. These snakes get very big with some individuals reaching five feet length. King snakes are non-venomous constrictors feeding on rodents, birds, lizards and even turtle eggs.
The common king snake, or chain snake (Lampropeltis getulus), of the Eastern United States is usually about 3 to 5 ft (90–150 cm) long and black or brown with yellow and white rings or bands that form a chainlike pattern. It eats rodents, birds, and snakes. It is immune to the venom of the rattlesnake and the copperhead, which it kills by constriction. These are found in a wide variety of habitats including coniferous forest, woodlands, marshes, grassland and chaparral or desert environments. It is frequently found near rocky outcrops and clumps of vegetation, as well as under rocks, logs and debris from sea level to 7,000 feet (2,130 meters).
There are numerous subspecies of the Common King snake. In the California King snake (L. g. californiae), the most typical pattern is black or brown bands alternating with white or cream bands which do not go all the way around the body. The California King snake may, however, be found with stripes of yellow or white on a brown or black background, partially striped and partially banded with the pattern depending upon where the snake was found, and many so-called aberrant which fit into no particular pattern class.
The Western Black King snake (L. g. nigrita), found in Southern Arizona as well as the state of Sonora, Mexico, is all dark brown or salty black with no cross bands or stripes but otherwise very similar to the California King snake. It may sometimes have light centers to the lateral black scales. Another subspecies is the Desert King snake (L. g. splendida), which is found from southeastern Arizona eastward and southward, mostly in the Chihuahua Desert. The Desert King snake has a dark belly and appears to be spotted although some specimens may have poorly defined cross bands. The scarlet king snake (L. doliata) has a pattern of black, red, and yellow bands similar to that of the unrelated coral snake. Other less brightly marked varieties of the same species are called milk snakes, because they are reputed by legend to milk cows.
Although considered a gentle snake, when he is threatened, it may hiss, strike and vibrate the tail as do many harmless Colubrid snakes. When attacked, or picked up by a human, King snakes will roll up into a ball with the head in the center and smear the offender with musk, a strong smelling substance, and feces.
King Snakes are fascinating reptiles. The Cobra is not the largest snake of all types, but is the longest poisonous snake. They are much different than the corn, garter, coral, pythons, and even the copperhead snakes. See the pictures of snakes above for an appreciation of the beauty of the various creatures 
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