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Isla Todos Santos kingsnake (Lampropeltis herrerae)

Snakes · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Isla Todos Santos kingsnake (Lampropeltis herrerae) (origin: Isla Todos Santos Sur, Baja California (Mexico) – an endemic island form of the zonata complex). Adult size around approx. 60–90 cm. Life expectancy approx. 20–26 years in captivity. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Isla Todos Santos kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

90×45×45 cm for one animal (a small species).

Isla Todos Santos kingsnake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot 27–29 °C (not above 30 °C, sensitive to heat), at night 16–20 °C.

Isla Todos Santos kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential, weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1–2) is possible.

Isla Todos Santos kingsnake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 20–26 years in captivity.

Isla Todos Santos kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
22–26 °C
Night temperature
16–20 °C
Basking spot
27–29 °C (not above 30 °C, sensitive to heat)
Humidity
50–60 %
UVB
UVB not essential, weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1–2) is possible

Enclosure

Minimum size
90×45×45 cm for one animal (a small species)
Substrate
Forest floor or aspen shavings, plenty of hides, cooler retreats

Feeding

Food
Rodents (mice); juveniles often only start on lizard-scented prey (difficult feeders)
Feeding interval
adults every 7–10 days, juveniles every 5–7 days

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 60–90 cm
Life expectancy
approx. 20–26 years in captivity
Origin
Isla Todos Santos Sur, Baja California (Mexico) – an endemic island form of the zonata complex
Protection status
IUCN: Critically Endangered; protected in Mexico (NOM-059) – only legal captive breeding with strict proof of origin; taking from the wild is prohibited
Brumation
A winter rest or brumation is needed: about 2–3 months at 8–13 °C (a mountain or island climate, essential for breeding and health)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly (kingsnakes are ophiophagous and eat snakes – a risk of cannibalism). Only for supervised breeding

Notes

Very rare in captivity, with the care data mostly derived from the closely related mountain kingsnake complex (L. zonata) – hence lower confidence. Heat-sensitive, and the young are difficult to start feeding. Usually listed as the subspecies Lampropeltis zonata herrerae.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Isla Todos Santos kingsnake (Lampropeltis herrerae) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (90×45×45 cm for one animal (a small species)), substrate (Forest floor or aspen shavings, plenty of hides, cooler retreats), 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: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: animaldiversity.org, californiaherps.com, en.wikipedia.org, eu_annex.txt (lokal), gutachten.txt (BML 1997, lokal)

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).