Mexican black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)
Snakes · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Mexican black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) (origin: North-western Mexico (Sonora, Sinaloa) and south-western Arizona (USA)). Adult size around 90–150 cm (usually ~120 cm). Life expectancy 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mexican black kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×75×75 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes).
Mexican black kingsnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Mexican black kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB not essential; weak UVB optional.
Mexican black kingsnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–25 years.
Mexican black kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 30–32 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- UVB
- UVB not essential; weak UVB optional
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×75×75 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes)
- Substrate
- Aspen shavings they can dig in; hides
Feeding
- Food
- Rodents (mice); in the wild also snakes and lizards
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–10 days, juveniles every 5–7 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 90–150 cm (usually ~120 cm)
- Life expectancy
- 20–25 years
- Origin
- North-western Mexico (Sonora, Sinaloa) and south-western Arizona (USA)
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; no special EU requirements
- Brumation
- No strict winter rest is needed; a slight drop to stimulate breeding is optional
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly (snake-eating and ophiophagous – a risk of cannibalism). Only for supervised, controlled breeding
Notes
A popular, jet-black, very robust beginner's snake; a keen feeder that likes to dig. Because it eats snakes, keep and feed it strictly singly.
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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
- Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi) – Intermediate
- Desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) – Beginner
- Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) – Beginner
- Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Mexican black kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×75×75 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes)), substrate (Aspen shavings they can dig in; hides), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_black_kingsnake, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lampropeltis&species=getula
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).