Definition

Noun: * A species of nonvenomous kingsnake native to the Americas, characterized by its distinctive pattern of bands or blotches, often in red, black, and white or yellow. It is also commonly known as the milk snake.

Examples

• The Lampropeltis triangulum is a constrictor, meaning it subdues its prey by coiling around it.
• Due to its coloration, the Lampropeltis triangulum is often mistaken for the venomous coral snake.
• We observed a beautiful Lampropeltis triangulum under a fallen log in the forest.

Advanced Usage

• The name Lampropeltis triangulum is derived from Greek and Latin: (shiny), (shield), referring to its shiny scales, and (triangle), referring to the triangular markings found on some subspecies.
• In herpetology, the extensive range and morphological variation of Lampropeltis triangulum have led to the recognition of numerous subspecies.

Variants and Related Words

• Milk snake (n): The common name for .
• Kingsnake (n): The genus () to which this species belongs. Kingsnakes are known for being immune to the venom of pit vipers and for preying on other snakes.
• Subspecies (n): Many regional forms of are classified as subspecies, such as the Eastern milk snake () and the Scarlet kingsnake ().

Synonyms

• Milk snake
• Tri-color kingsnake

Related Phrases / Terms

• Batesian mimicry: An ecological concept where a harmless species (like the Lampropeltis triangulum) evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species (like the coral snake) to deter predators.
• Constrictor: A snake that kills its prey by coiling around it and suffocating it, which is the hunting method of the Lampropeltis triangulum.

Noun

1. nonvenomous tan and brown king snake with an arrow-shaped occipital spot; southeastern ones have red stripes like coral snakes