Reptoria

Grey-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna)

Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Grey-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) (origin: Western Texas, northern Mexico – rocky desert). Adult size around 75–110 cm, at most just under 150 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Grey-banded kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 110×55×55 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes).

Grey-banded kingsnake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 18–21 °C.

Grey-banded kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential.

Grey-banded kingsnake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Grey-banded kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
25–30 °C
Night temperature
18–21 °C
Basking spot
32 °C
Humidity
40–55 %
UVB
Not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 110×55×55 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes)
Substrate
Sand-loam with rock crevices, hides in both zones

Feeding

Food
Frozen-thawed mice
Feeding interval
adults every 7–10 days

Key facts

Adult size
75–110 cm, at most just under 150 cm
Life expectancy
15–20 years
Origin
Western Texas, northern Mexico – rocky desert
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
A winter rest of 10–12 weeks at 10–14 °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

A nocturnal rock dweller, hidden by day. A winter rest is practically indispensable for breeding. The young often take only small prey at first.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Grey-banded kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 110×55×55 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes)), substrate (Sand-loam with rock crevices, hides in both zones), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graugeb%C3%A4nderte_K%C3%B6nigsnatter, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lampropeltis&species=alterna

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).