<p><b>Lampropeltis greeri</b>, known as the Greer's kingsnake, is a strikingly patterned serpent from the Central and South regions of the U.S., thriving in various habitats like temperate forests and scrublands. This nocturnal carnivore plays a critical role in its ecosystem by controlling small mammal populations and exhibiting unique defensive behaviors that mimic venomous snakes.</p>