Description
Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis spp.)
Striking, hardy, and full of personality—kingsnakes are royalty for a reason!
Kingsnakes are some of the most popular pet snakes in the reptile world—and it’s easy to see why. With bold patterns, vibrant colors, and calm temperaments, they make excellent companions for both first-time snake owners and seasoned herp enthusiasts.
From the sleek, jet-black Mexican Black Kingsnake to the high-contrast California Kingsnake, these snakes are known for being hardy, easy to care for, and highly adaptable.
Quick Facts:
Size: Most species average 3–5 feet
Lifespan: 15–20 years in captivity
Temperament: Generally docile and curious—can be a bit wriggly at first but tame down with handling
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly
Care & Habitat:
Kingsnakes thrive in a secure enclosure (20–40 gallons for adults) with a temperature gradient—basking area around 85°F and a cooler side in the mid-70s°F. They appreciate a few hides, climbing decor, and a shallow water bowl. Use aspen, paper, or coconut bedding, and maintain moderate humidity (40–60%). They are escape artists, so a tight-fitting lid is a must!
Feeding:
Enthusiastic eaters, kingsnakes do great on a diet of appropriately sized frozen/thawed mice or rats. Feed every 5–7 days for juveniles, and every 7–10 days for adults. These snakes rarely skip a meal!
Fun Fact:
Kingsnakes are immune to the venom of many other snakes and are known to eat rattlesnakes in the wild! That’s how they got their royal name—King of snakes.
Why You’ll Love Them:
Kingsnakes are fun to watch, easy to care for, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Whether you love the dramatic banding of a California morph or the deep gloss of a Mexican Black, kingsnakes bring beauty and personality to any reptile collection.
Let me know if you'd like this tailored to a specific species or morp
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.