Description:
Scientific name: Lampropeltis getula nigrita
Life span: 15-20 years
The Mexican black kingsnake has an oval-shaped little head that is about the same size as the neck and a long, smooth, slender body. Little white or yellow spots are occasionally seen on juveniles, especially under their chin; however, as they age, these markings frequently either disappear completely or gradually fade away. A fully developed adult typically lacks any form of rings or other identifiable characteristics. However it’s a frequent misperception that this kingsnake subspecies is all black.
Native Region/Habitat
These snakes can be found in the Sonoran Desert, which spans 100,000 square miles from southern California and Arizona to Baja California and Sonora in Mexico. Moreover, parts of Arizona contain it.
Behavior:
Although certain Mexican Black Kingsnakes have developed a reputation for aggression, this species is typically docile and simple to handle. Like other kingsnakes, Mexican black kingsnakes are nocturnal. This implies that they are active during the day, particularly from the earliest spring to the end of the fall. After that, they spend the winter in safe locations like caves, hollow logs, burrows, and crevices. Although they are known to sunbathe to control their body temperature, they prefer to hide behind dead leaves. The snake can climb trees, swim well, and slithers on the ground with ease.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
- A 20 to 30 gallon glass aquarium with a screen lid is suitable for housing adults. A 4-foot snake will probably feel more at home in a 40 gallon breeding tank, therefore the bigger the containment, the better. For maintaining these snakes, especially hatchlings and wild-caught individuals that can be extremely flighty, some people have even used adapted sweater boxes. Ten-gallon aquariums are suitable for housing hatchlings.
- Under tank heaters, heat tape, and heat cable can readily provide the 77–84°F ambient temperature that kingsnakes need to survive (on the outside of the cage, not the inside). A good basking spot should be between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can go as low as 75°F at night.
- The ideal humidity range for shedding is between 40% and 60% humidity. A hygrometer can be used to measure humidity, and it can be raised with the use of a big water bowl, a fogger, a mister, or regular spraying.
- Only pre-killed prey should be supplied as live prey has the potential to kill or severely injure captive snakes, especially those that are not used to live prey.
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