Description: A moderately sized snake, the gray-banded kingsnake can grow up to 4 feet in total length (including tail), with the average total length being 3 feet. It has a relatively wide head (when compared to other kingsnake species), and has large eyes with round pupils. L. alterna coloration and patterning vary greatly, but there are two main color morphs, which were once considered separate subspecies: the "blairi" which has wide red/orange banding, and the "alterna" which has thinner orange/red banding. Both are generally on a gray background with white and/or black accenting. There are many variations on this basic morphology found in the wild and captive bred, with some specimens even lacking orange or red banding entirely.

Habitat: The species is closely associated with limestone and volcanic substrates, with steep slopes and standard desert scrub.

Range: Lampropeltis alterna is found in the Trans-Pecos/Chihuahuan Desert region of southwestern Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico.

Found in these States: NM | TX

Diet: The gray-banded kingsnake feeds primarily on lizards. It will occasionally feed on small rodents, frogs, and the eggs of ground nesting birds, lizards, and other snakes.

Reproduction: L. alterna is oviparous, laying clutches of 3 to 13 eggs in early summer, which hatch in approximately 9 weeks. Each hatchling is around 10 inches in total length.

Status: L. alterna is regionally protected in New Mexico and Mexico. Texas does not have any regional protections, due to the number of reports in the area. Some believe that the number of reports in Texas is due to the accessibility of the region for amateur American herpetologists.

Taxonomy: