Kingsnake - Speckeled

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Speckled King Snake, Salt and Pepper Kingsnake Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula holbrooki

Basic Info

The Speckled Kingsnake, sometimes referred to as the "Salt and Pepper" Kingsnake, is marked by a dusting of light yellow spots all over its back. They have ebony bodies and the spots are literally all over their backs; nearly every inch of this snake is covered in spots. You can also find albino mutations of the Speckled Kingsnake like the Lavender Albino. At maturity they usually measure between three and four feet.

Health

Breeding In captivity, you can follow this simple formula for successful breeding. Stop feeding them for about two weeks. Next, cool your Speckled kingsnake to between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit for about three months, slowly bringing the temperature down over the first week. Bring the light levels down as well. After you have warmed them they will shed. At this point start feeding them again and make breeding pairs. About two months later, an average of 13 eggs will be laid. In the wild, the male and female usually mate in mid spring and the female can lay as many as 30 eggs, though the usual amount is closer to 12. She deposits them under vegetation. They need anywhere from 60 to 75 days to incubate at 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The hatchlings are around eight inches in length.

Habitat

Speckled Kingsnakes are found mostly in the Southeast United states inhabiting pine or deciduous woodlands (often under rotting logs), pastures, open areas near cattle tanks or streams, freshwater and brackish swamps, and coastal marshes. They are often f

Behavior

The Speckled Kingsnake is a favorite among many snake lovers. They can be a little bit more aggressive than many kingsnakes, but they are not uncommon in the pet trade. The Speckled Kingsnake's disposition has been a bit exaggerated in the past, but there is truth to some of it. Even after years in captivity, they may still try to bite you and they often defecate when they are frightened. The best way to avoid this problem is to raise your Speckled Kingsnake from a baby. That way it will be used to you by the time it reaches maturity and will be adapted to its surroundings. They are a little aggressive at feeding time and tend to get overzealous when you are lowering food into the cage. Handling needs to be done with care. Make sure you hold them with two hands to help prevent escape. If you're looking for a snake that stands out and really holds its own, the Speckled Kingsnake may be the one for you. If you are looking for a docile snake, one for beginners or children, you may want to consider another species.

Origin

North America

History

N/A

Common Foods

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