About Lampropeltis pyromelana (Cope, 1866)
Lampropeltis pyromelana, commonly known as the Sonoran mountain kingsnake or Arizona mountain kingsnake, is a species of snake that is native to the southwestern United States. Adults of this species can reach a maximum length of 36 inches, which equals 910 millimeters. Within the state of Arizona, L. pyromelana has a discontinuous range. This range stretches from the extreme northwestern corner of Arizona, across the state’s central mountain ranges and the Mogollon Rim, all the way into the "sky island" mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona. This snake can be found at elevations between 3,000 and 9,000 feet, or 910 to 2,740 meters. It lives in a variety of habitats, ranging from chaparral to conifer forests, and is often located near streams or springs. It is also frequently associated with juniper woodland. In terms of ecology, Lampropeltis pyromelana feeds on lizards, rodents, and nestling birds. During the daytime, it typically hides and stays among rocks, logs, or dense clumps of vegetation.
