DID YOU KNOW?

What next?

Most species of kingsnakes are considered cannibalistic and will actively prey on other snakes including rattlesnakes. The term ‘king’ is often associated with snakes that will prey on other snakes, such as the king cobra.

The harmless milk snakes utilise aposematic mimicry to resemble the venomous coral snakes (Micruroides .spp & Micrurus .spp). Some kingsnakes have also developed patterns to mimic the venomous cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The rhyme ‘red next to yellow, kill a fellow’ helped locals identify the harmful coral snakes at a time when anti-venom was reliant on the identification of a species.

GM Reptiles’ Top Tips For Keeping Milk Snakes

• House appropriately for the size of the animal.

• Be patient with handling.

• Look at the options. Is this a pet snake or will you want to breed with them further down the line?

The Lampropeltis genus will always be popular amongst pet owners. As such a rich and diverse genus of snakes, there is still much to explore. For hobbyists that have worked with these species for decades, there is no comparison between milk snakes and corn snakes. However, what makes a “good” pet snake is also very subjective. Despite legal challenges threatening some of the most popular king snakes from the early days of herpetoculture, the Lampropeltis genus is a perfect example of how dynamic the hobby is. From frequently changing Latin names to a tapestry of colour morphs and new breeding projects appearing often, the milk snakes that we know and love offer a level of depth that is often overlooked. Despite many experts dedicating their entire lives to these animals, milk snakes are certainly one of the more underappreciated of the long-standing species in the hobby today. Yet, while owners find such immense joy keeping milk snakes, the corn snake comparison is a conversation that enthusiasts will never need to entertain.

Disclaimer: All scientific names and captioning have been based on current scientific data published through the reptile database. The grouping of L. Polyzona as a single species is subject to much contention.

HEALTHY & SAFE

Solarmeter ® point-and-click handheld meters ensure the health and safety of your reptile. The Model 6.2R is used to monitor lamp intensity and lamp life. The Model 6.5R measures the UV Index related to the Vitamin D action spectrum and Ferguson Zones to identify reptile-safe basking areas.