Scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)
Snakes · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) (origin: The south-eastern USA). Adult size around 35–55 cm (very small). Life expectancy 12–18 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Scarlet kingsnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×40 cm.
Scarlet kingsnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 18–21 °C.
Scarlet kingsnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Scarlet kingsnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–18 years.
Scarlet kingsnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×40 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus with leaf litter, plenty of hides near the ground, diggable
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice (small); juveniles may need scenting with lizard to start feeding
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 35–55 cm (very small)
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- The south-eastern USA
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 8–10 weeks at 12–15 °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
The smallest kingsnake, living mainly hidden – you rarely see it. The young are tricky to start feeding because of their size. In the wild they also eat small lizards.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) 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
What you need to start
To keep Scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus with leaf litter, plenty of hides near the ground, diggable), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampropeltis_elapsoides, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lampropeltis&species=elapsoides
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).