Kingsnake - Chihuahua Mountain

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Chihuahua Mountain King Snake, Knoblocki Mountain King Snake, Tarahumara Mountain King Snake, Knoblachi King Snake, Knoblach's King Snake Scientific Name: Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi

Basic Info

By adulthood, Chihuahua Kingsnakes usually reach lengths between 32 and 48 inches. They have broad heads with well-defined necks and slender bodies. The bodies of Chihuahua Kingsnakes are usually creamy white with between 55 and 95 triads of red. A white stripe runs longitudinally down the belly, and the sides of these snakes may have intensive or complicated patterning. Some of these snakes may even have black markings, while others may have red caps on their heads.

Health

Generally, Chihuahua Kingsnakes do well when kept at temperatures between 82 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can tolerate lower temperatures. Breeding Female Chihuahua Kingsnakes usually reach sexual maturity in their second year. It is reported that hatchlings born in the same clutch may be sexed by their appearances; females will show more black in their patterning than their brothers. Some people have reportedly bred Chihuahua Kingsnakes without hibernating them. If you choose to hibernate your snakes, you may use a three to four month period of temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. After the female's first shed during the period after hibernation, breeding usually occurs and a clutch of between 3 and 12 eggs will be laid. If incubated between 82 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, these eggs usually require about 60 days to hatch. The hatchling Chihuahua Kingsnakes are usually started on small pinkie mice.

Habitat

Found only the Tarahumara mountain range of Chihuahua, Mexico

Behavior

With their brilliant and cleanly defined colorings, Chihuahua Kingsnakes, also known as Tarahumara Kingsnakes, make lovely captives. These snakes originate from only one small area of the world, the Tarahumara Mountains, which they were named after. The Chihuahua Kingsnake is usually quickly tamed in captivity with regular handling. These snakes often cling to their handlers, probably imitating the rock climbing actions it would in the wild. In the wild, Chihuahua Kingsnakes come from mountainous regions where warm seasons may be relatively short, and many may stop eating before the summer is over. Some owners may feed their snakes more just before the snakes stop eating to allow them some extra nutrition before their brumation.

Origin

Mexico

History

The Chihuahua Kingsnake is found only the Tarahumara mountain range of Chihuahua, Mexico. These snakes seem to adapt well to captive care, and are reported to be ready breeders, as well. Many times, they are called Knobloch's Kingsnakes, or Knoblocki Kingsnakes.

Common Foods

feeds on lizards, birds, snakes, eggs, frogs, lizards and small mammals