Reproduction
Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula nigra
The earliest emergence we have recorded over the past two years has been on March 21st. By late March they are usually out in considerable numbers. Often times we have seen adult pairs together under a single piece of artificial cover early in the year and we believe that this is when reproductive activity commences. Gravid females have been observed regularly in late May through early June. |
  |
This
clutch size was 10, taking a few hours to lay. The eggs were incubated
at 81F. |
  |
Photos by Scott
Waters
Over
the years we have recorded a number of clutch sizes ranging from
7-12 eggs. The young have hatched out in between 52 and 60 days,
depending on ambient air temperatures. Hatchling Black Kingsnakes
are generally between 8" and 10" long and are strongly
marked in the form of numerous cross bars which form a chain pattern
on the sides. Depending on the origin, some or all of this neonate
patterning is lost as the young snake matures. |
|
©
Scott Waters Productions