Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi) (origin: North-western Mexico – the Sierra Madre Occidental). Adult size around 70–100 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm.
Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 14–18 °C.
Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 14–18 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm
- Substrate
- Bark mulch with leaf litter, stone slabs, a cork hide
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice of a suitable size
- Feeding interval
- 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 70–100 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- North-western Mexico – the Sierra Madre Occidental
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 12–16 weeks at 8–12 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
Split from L. pyromelana in 2014. A highland species with a long, cold winter rest. Markedly rarer in Europe than the milk snakes – document the bloodlines.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Andean milk snake (Lampropeltis micropholis) – Intermediate
- Sonoran mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) – Intermediate
- Isla Todos Santos kingsnake (Lampropeltis herrerae) – Expert
- California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) – Intermediate
- Desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) – Beginner
- Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) – Beginner
- Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula) – Beginner
- Grey-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm), substrate (Bark mulch with leaf litter, stone slabs, a cork hide), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampropeltis_knoblochi, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lampropeltis&species=knoblochi
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).