Description:
Scientific name: Lampropeltis pyromelana
Life span: 15-20 years
The higher levels of the mountains are typically where you can find the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. This snake typically lives near streams in rocky places. An adult can be anywhere between 18 and 41 inches long, whereas a hatchling is only about nine inches long. This species releases an extremely potent and repulsive scent when disturbed. An illustration of mimicry in nature is the kingsnake’s coloring. The nonvenomous Arizona Mountain Kingsnake’s red, black, and white bands are frequently confused with the red, black, white, or yellow bands on the poisonous Arizona Coral Snake.
Native Region/Habitat
The Arizona mountain kingsnake lives in rocky places with access to water and is most frequently found at higher mountain elevations. They extend into Mexico from central to southeast Arizona as well as portions of Utah and Nevada.
Behavior:
The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake is a reclusive snake that spends the most of its life in dense foliage or under heaps of rocks or fallen logs. Most of the time, these snakes stay close to the safety of their homes.
Most of the time, these snakes stay close to the safety of their homes. Even more so than coming out to bask, they prefer to thermoregulate by shifting to a warmer or colder location inside their hiding hole.
They consume a wide variety of prey, including poisonous rattlesnakes, and will even consume other snakes. Kingsnakes can withstand the venom of snakes.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
- The adults should be kept in cages or enclosures that are at least 3L x 18W in size. Yet, some keepers like smaller enclosures. As kingsnakes can thrive and survive in this type of enclosure setup, you may also put them in a rack system.
- It is healthy to keep these snakes at an ambient temperature of around 78F. Remember to reduce the temperature by roughly 10 degrees at night. Keep the humidity level between 40% and 60%. For them to be healthy, it’s also critical to give them an appropriate light cycle.
- Arizona mountain kingsnakes that skip a meal or two are common among knowledgeable keepers. There is nothing to worry about because these snakes can sometimes move quickly. You can give them mice, lizards, or pinkies as food. Occasionally, you can also switch to rodents. Moreover, you might include dietary supplements like calcium or vitamin D3 in their diet.
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