Kingsnake - Grey Banded

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Grey Banded Blairs Kingsnake, Grey Banded Alterna Kingsnake, Grey Banded Kingsnake Scientific Name: Lampropeltis alterna

Basic Info

The Florida Kingsnake averages between four and five feet (120-150cm), although they often reach up to six feet. They are usually black or brown, with bands of cream or yellow. The background color usually fades as the snake matures. In southern Florida a variant known as the South Florida Kingsnake, or Brooksi, can be found. This variety usually exceeds five feet and is paler than other varieties. Another variety, found only in Northern Florida, is the Blotched King Snake or Goini. These snakes are characterized by blotched, rather than banded, markings, however, they can also have stripes or no pattern at all.

Health

Some specimens, particularly wild-caught Grey Bands, seem to prefer lizards. Avoid feeding lizards when possible, as they may transmit disease or parasites to your snake. Breeding Gray Banded Kingsnakes will brumate from between September and November until March or April. They should begin coupling in either April or May. Females will lay four to six eggs and the incubation period will last 62 - 75 days. Eggs should be incubated at 80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Females will lay eggs during June. They may lay as many as 15 eggs, though 3 to 10 is normal. Their eggs are leathery and measure between 30 and 40 mm in length.

Habitat

Most often spotted in dry, arid desert environments

Behavior

They are most often spotted in dry, arid desert environments, feeding on rodents and lizards during daylight hours. They are commonly kept as pets and are relatively popular in the herp world. They are relatively docile and accepting of human contact.

Origin

North America

History

The Gray Banded Kingsnake is a terrestrial snake found most commonly in northern Mexico and Texas.

Common Foods

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