Which snake is known for being immune to rattlesnake venom?

The snake known for resistance to rattlesnake venom is the kingsnake. Kingsnakes belong to the New World genus Lampropeltis and are nonvenomous constrictors that commonly prey on other snakes.

Their resistance is an evolutionary advantage because many kingsnakes share habitats with pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. A kingsnake can seize and constrict a venomous snake, and resistance reduces the danger if it is bitten during the struggle. The protection is physiological resistance, not a magical universal immunity.

“Kingsnake” is a fair quiz answer, although the degree of resistance varies among species and populations. The common kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula, is especially associated with immunity or strong resistance to the venom of local rattlesnakes. Venom from a geographically distant snake may not have the same effect.

The name “king” refers to this snake-eating habit, much as “king cobra” suggests dominance among snakes. Kingsnakes also eat harmless snakes, lizards, rodents, birds, and eggs, usually killing prey by constriction rather than venom.