Mexican kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana)

Short answers

Mexican kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×50×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes, small species).

Mexican kingsnake: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–27 °C, basking spot 29–31 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Mexican kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential; weak UVB optional.

Mexican kingsnake: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15+ years.

Mexican kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–27 °C

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

29–31 °C

Humidity

50–60 %

UVB

UVB not essential; weak UVB optional

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 100×50×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes, small species)

Substrate

Aspen shavings or sani-chips they can dig in; plenty of hides (they are shy)

Feeding

Food

Rodents (mice)

Feeding interval

adults every 7 days, juveniles every 3–5 days

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 70–90 cm (around 80 cm; rarely up to ~1 m)

Life expectancy

15+ years

Origin

North-eastern Mexico (San Luis Potosí), rocky montane and semi-arid habitats

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; protected in Mexico (NOM-059) – look for legal captive breeding and proof of origin

Brumation

Brumation is recommended: several weeks at about 8–13 °C (a montane climate, important for breeding)

Cohabitation

Keep them singly (snake-eating and ophiophagous – a risk of cannibalism). Only for supervised, controlled breeding

Notes

Also the "San Luis Potosí kingsnake". A rather small, shy species with plenty of hides. Note: some online sources (Wikipedia for example) wrongly give 140–200 cm – the consensus of reputable care sheets is about 80 cm; corrected here.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Mexican kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana) 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
• Chihuahuan mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis knoblochi) – Intermediate
• Desert kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) – Beginner
• Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) – Beginner
• Eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula getula) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mexican kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×50 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, kingsnakes, small species)), substrate (Aspen shavings or sani-chips they can dig in; plenty of hides (they are shy)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.