Milksnake - Central plains

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Central Plains Milk Snake Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis

Basic Info

The Central Plains Milksnake is an average sized, colorful snake. Their coloration of a light body with red, orange, yellow and/or white patches and black-edged brown patches on the side of the body resemble that of the Copperhead or Coral Snake. This adaptation is useful in that it protects them from some prey. They also can be mistaken for the venomous snakes by humans who often kill them without knowing they are harmless. This Milksnake's body is usually gray or tan, often with a Y-shaped spot on the neck. The neck is banded with black. Lighter colored bands separate these bands.

Health

Breeding In the spring, after warming up, milksnakes mate while still in their hibernation groups. The female lays a clutch that contains between 2 and 17 eggs, often in rotting logs. The eggs are elliptical in shape. The eggs hatch after between six and nine week of incubation. The hatchlings average around eight inches in length and are very brightly colored. The milksnake is usually mature at around three or four years of age.

Habitat

They most often make their homes near forests, although they will also live in open woodland, prairies, near small streams, on rocky hillsides, on savannahs, and in agricultural fields and other, more urban areas.

Behavior

The Central Plains Milksnake is primarily nocturnal and is rarely seen during the day. They are solitary animals, seeking the company of other Milksnakes only during brumation. Directly before and after brumation, they are often seen basking in large groups. The Central Plains Milksnake, like other milksnakes, can do well in a wide range of habitats. They often hunt in barns because of the large rodent populations. When threatened, the milksnake may vibrate its tail against the ground, often sounding much like a Rattlesnake.

Origin

North America

History

N/A

Common Foods

They are valued as wild animals on the farm and in urban areas as they eat mice and other rodents.