Lampropeltis triangulum

9.9

A snake from North and Central America that is not venomous and has bright bands like coral snakes

noun
/ˌlæmprəˈpɛltɪs traɪˈæŋɡələm/

Specialized

: Lampropeltis triangulum

The Lampropeltis triangulum is often mistaken for the venomous coral snake because of its red and black bands.

Examples

A Lampropeltis triangulum can make a good pet due to its docile temperament.
Researchers studied the diet of the Lampropeltis triangulum in its natural habitat.
Look at that Lampropeltis triangulum!
I saw a Lampropeltis triangulum in the garden.
The Lampropeltis triangulum is a fascinating snake that can often be found in backyards across North America.
Many people choose the Lampropeltis triangulum as a pet because of its striking colors and gentle nature.
In the wild, the Lampropeltis triangulum uses its coloration to imitate venomous coral snakes as a defense mechanism.

Synonyms

milk snake

vsLampropeltis triangulum

5.1

A harmless North American snake with red, black, and white bands that looks like a coral snake

is more varied in color patterns and not only the typical banded form

Surface Forms

Lampropeltis triangulum singular

Lampropeltis triangula singular

Morphology

Lampropeltis + triangulum

The genus name 'Lampropeltis' directly signals a group of king and milk snakes, so a learner who knows that constituent would infer the phrase denotes a kind of snake. However, 'triangulum' here functions as an arbitrary species epithet (no English dictionary gloss provided) and does not transparently convey the specific attributes (nonvenomous, coral-snake mimicry), so the full meaning is only partially derivable.

Etymology

Lampropeltis triangulum may come from old Greek and Latin words: Lampropeltis means 'bright shield' and triangulum means 'triangle'. The name gives a picture of a shiny, banded snake and explains why this not venomous king snake often looks like a venomous coral snake.