Description
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis sp.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Kingsnakes are colubrid snakes from the New World that belong to the genus Lampropeltis, which has 26 species. The size and colors of kingsnakes vary greatly.
Other kingsnakes have vivid markings in white, red, yellow, grey, and lavender that appear as rings, longitudinal stripes, speckles, and saddle-shaped bands. Some kingsnakes have a muted brown to black coloration.
The majority of kingsnakes feature fairly vivid patterns. Some species, like the red milk snake, Mexican milk snake, and scarlet kingsnake, have coloration and patterning that might lead people to mistake them for the dangerous coral snakes.
Native Region/Habitat
Kingsnakes are indigenous to North America, where they can be found from Alaska to Mexico. This genus has adapted to a broad range of environments, including deserts, shrublands, and tropical rainforest. King snakes can be found coast to coast in North America, with certain species being found as far north as Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Illinois, and Ohio. South of those locations, king snakes can be found in almost every region of the lower 48 states.
Behavior
Although kingsnakes are mostly found on land, they are also known to be skilled climbers and swimmers. Kingsnakes kill their prey by constriction and have an opportunistic diet. They are known to hunt down and consume other snakes, especially poisonous ones like copperheads, cottonmouths, hognoses, and rattlesnakes (a practice known as ophiophagy). Gopher snakes, corn snakes, water snakes garter snakes, bull snakes, rosy boas, and brown snakes are a few examples of the kingsnake’s non-venomous prey species. When compared to snakes of a similar size, kingsnakes are docile, but they are often anxious. They usually won’t turn hostile until they are disturbed.
Care as a Pet/In Captivity
Enclosure:
For young King Snakes, use a 10 gallon terrarium; for adults, a 20 gallon terrarium. Make sure the snake’s enclosure is no longer than twice as long as it is. Additionally, provide the snake places to hide and branches to climb. As King Snakes are renowned escape artists, provide a safe cage. King snakes shouldn’t be kept in the same enclosure as other snakes or reptiles. They are known by this name because they enjoy eating other snakes, including poisonous ones!
Temperature and Lighting:
It should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is advised to use radiant heat. Place the main heat source, an under tank heater, at one end of a lengthy enclosure. King snakes require 8 to 12 hours of sunlight daily. To see snakes at night, use a red light.
Food and Water:
Pinky mice are a common food source for baby king snakes. As it develops, the king snake can consume adult mice, fuzzy mice, and smaller rats. The best mice to feed your snake are those that have been frozen and then thawed, like those in Mack’s Natural Reptile Food Frozen mice. Wintertime reduces the appetite of the king snake. Always have a new dish of water available. King Snakes enjoy relaxing in the water, especially just before shedding.
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