Arizona Mountain Kingsnake

Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Kingsnakes are one of the most popular pet snakes. They are docile and easy to care for.

Size:
Young snakes can grow from 20 to 33 cm while the adults can reach more than 110cm. The weight of an adult can range from 1/2 to 1.8 kg. depending on their health.

Characteristics:
Their snout is white or yellow, and their head is usually black on top, sometimes with flashes of red over the eyes. Large eyes sit on the sides of their head. Arizona mountain kingsnakes are encircled by over 40 rings of white or yellow-white bordered by thin black and wide red sections.  Kingsnakes reach sexual maturity between 2 and 4 years of age. Their lifespan in the wild is unknown, though they can live up to 20 to 30 years in captivity.

Range:
Central to southeastern Arizona down into Mexico, parts of Utah and Nevada

Habitat:
Prefers habitats with mixture of rocks, tree trunks, and undergrowth in mountainous areas with nearby water. They adapt well in captivity if kept between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, with a nighttime temperature drop of three to five degrees. Temperature control is important as it maintains feeding response and digestion.

Cages should be escape proof, complete with water and hiding area. Kingsnakes and milk snakes must be housed separately (except during breeding season) because they are cannibalistic. Aquariums, Reptile Cages or home-made enclosures also work well if you want to display the snake. A variety of substrates may be used (aspen shavings, reptile substrates, rodent bedding or newspaper) to keep the animals clean, warm and dry.

Diet:
Kingsnakes will feed on just about anything. They will consume warm-blooded prey such as rodents and birds, as well as cold-blooded prey such as lizards and frogs (in addition to other snakes).