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Definition of yellow-bellied kingsnake
yellow-bellied kingsnake
Plural:yellow-bellied kingsnakes
yellow-bellied kingsnake Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A nonvenomous constrictor snake (Lampropeltis calligaster flavigaster) native to the southeastern and central United States, typically characterized by an olive, tan, or brown dorsal coloration with faint blotches and a distinctive pale, yellowish belly.
Example
"While surveying the coastal plain ecosystem in Texas, the herpetologist documented a large yellow-bellied kingsnake crossing a dirt road at dusk."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The common name derives from the snake's descriptive pale yellowish underbelly and its classification as a 'kingsnake'—a genus of snakes (Lampropeltis) known for their ability to prey on and consume other snakes, including venomous ones.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Yellow-bellied kingsnake. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/yellow-bellied kingsnake