King Snakes

Lampropeltis means "shiny skin" and the majority of kingsnakes have quite vibrant patterns on their skin. Kingsnakes are constrictors and tend to be opportunistic when it comes to their diet; they will eat other snakes (ophiophagy), lizards, rodents, birds, and eggs. They are highly resistant to the venom of other snakes and California Kingsnakes are known to eat rattlesnakes. The "king" in their name (as with the king cobra) is a reference to their taste for other snakes and their ability to overpower other snakes.