![]() This means removing feces and other dirt. You should spot clean the tank every day. Add rocks and branches to give a more natural décor. Flowerpots may also be suitable, and it is possible to buy commercial hides made from rock and other materials. ![]() Provide hiding spots, using items like upturned coconut shells or half logs. However, the more space you can provide, the more the snake will thrive.Īlthough large glass tanks are available, wooden tanks are preferred because they retain heat better. This is smaller than is recommended for most other species because the Mexican is a smaller snake. Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup TankĪlthough it may be possible to keep one in a smaller tank, you should provide a 20-gallon tank for adult Mexican king snakes. You will need to provide the following habitat and conditions for your pet. Related Read: Honduran Milk Snake: Facts, Info & Care Guide (with Pictures)Ĭonsidered a reasonable choice for novice keepers, the Mexican milk snake has low to moderate care requirements.The females are usually a little larger than the males, as is common with snakes. The Mexican variant is a little thicker than other milk snakes, but will only grow to a maximum length of 30 inches, or 2.5 feet, with the majority only achieving a length of 1.5 feet. Their bodies usually have thick red bands, which are twice the size of black and milk bands. Milk snakes are known for their red and yellow, or milk, color. Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock Appearance They can make a good first-time snake and are also suitable for experienced owners. They are carnivorous and do eat mice, but this is also easy enough to manage. They are non-venomous and will become accustomed to being handled in time. They do not have any specific humidity requirements, and the only real habitat requirement is that of temperature, but even this is easy to manage. Davis & Rice (1883) used Ophibolus doliatus triangulus and Garman (1892) used Ophibolus triangulus.Milk snakes are considered good pets because they are smaller and require a minimally sized tank compared to other exotic snakes. Nomenclatural History: Kennicott (1855) used the combination Ophibolis eximus (Harlan, 1827). Original Name: Coluber triangulum Lacapede, 1789. For syspila, Ophibolus doliatus syspila Cope, 1888. Type Locality: Not known. For syspila, “Richland, Illinois” Histoire naturelle des quadrupeds ovipares et des serpens. Red milk snakes may be over-collected for the pet trade at some localities.Įtymology: Lampropeltis – lampros (Greek) meaning bright, brilliant, radiant pelta (Latin) meaning small shield triangulum – triangulus (Latin) meaning ‘having three angles’ syspila – sys (Greek) together and spilos (Greek) spots. Status: Not commonly seen, except perhaps in the Chicago region and portions of the Shawnee Hills, because of its secretive nature. Predators include birds of prey and mammals, but many more probably are killed on roads by vehicles.ĭistribution Notes: Probably occurs statewide, with triangulum in the northern third of the state, syspila in the southern third and an intergrade zone in the middle third. Diet includes small mammals, birds and bird eggs, reptiles and reptile eggs, frogs, and fish. The young hatch in August or early September at 20-25 cm TL. ![]() Mates in spring and lays 8-20 eggs in June in rotting logs, tree stumps, or other rotting vegetation. Natural History: Usually found in rotting logs, under bark of stumps, or under logs, rocks, and other surface debris. Habitat: A variety of habitats from rocky, wooded hillsides and glades to old fields and wetlands. syspila has 19-26 red blotches on the back and 4-8 red rings on the tail. triangulum has 33-46 brown blotches on the back alternating with 1-2 rows of spots on the side. Phillipsĭescription: Medium-sized (up to 110 cm TL) snake with variable color pattern. Milksnake, Woodford Co., IL photo by C.A. Subspecies: Eight subspecies are currently recognized in North America, but only two are known from Illinois, Eastern Milksnake, L. Similar Species: Prairie kingsnake, Great Plains Ratsnake. See the Key to Illinois Snakes for help with identification. Key Characters: Black-bordered red or brown blotches or rings belly white with sharply contrasting black spots back scales smooth anal plate not divided.
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