King Snake / Milk Snake
King Snakes (Lampropeltis getula and related) and Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) are closely related North and Central American constrictors popular as pets.
Overview
King Snakes (Lampropeltis getula and related) and Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) are closely related North and Central American constrictors popular as pets. The genus includes some of the most strikingly patterned snakes - bands of red, black, white, and yellow that mimic dangerous coral snakes. Hardy, manageable, and reliable feeders.
Natural History
Native across North and Central America. Variety of habitats. Crepuscular/nocturnal. Constrictors.
The famous mimicry: "red touches yellow, kills a fellow / red touches black, friend of Jack" distinguishes venomous coral snakes from non-venomous Milk Snakes in North America (does not apply outside the US).
King Snakes eat other snakes (including venomous species) - never house with another snake.
Appearance
Size varies by species:
- Common King Snake: 1-1.5 m.
- California King: 1-1.2 m.
- Sinaloan Milk Snake: 1-1.2 m.
- Honduran Milk Snake: 1.2-1.5 m.
Many subspecies and morphs with brilliant red, black, white, yellow banding patterns.
Temperament & Handling
Generally docile though some individuals are nippy. Smell-driven feeders - must wash hands before handling to avoid being mistaken for prey.
Enclosure
Minimum: 1.2 × 0.4 × 0.4 m. Larger acceptable.
Provide:
- Hides on warm and cool sides.
- Climbing branches.
- Water bowl.
- Secure lid - escape artists.
Heating & Lighting
- Warm side: 28-30°C.
- Cool side: 22-25°C.
- UVB: beneficial.
Humidity
40-60%.
Diet
Carnivorous, including ophiophagic (other snakes). Pet keeping diet:
- Frozen-thawed mice or small rats by size.
- Adults eat every 10-14 days.
Never house two King Snakes together - cannibalism is common.
Health & Lifespan
15-20 years.
Common concerns:
- Mites.
- Respiratory infections.
- Scale rot.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful patterns.
- Reliable feeders.
- Hardy.
- Long-lived.
Cons:
- Cannot be housed together (cannibalism).
- Some individuals nippy.
- 15-20 year commitment.
King Snake / Milk Snake - frequently asked questions
King vs Milk Snake?
Closely related - same genus. King Snakes are larger and broader; Milk Snakes are slimmer with more dramatic banding.
Can I keep two together?
No. They eat each other.
Are they venomous?
No - non-venomous constrictors. The coral-snake mimic pattern is purely defensive.
Are they good for kids?
With older children and adult supervision, generally yes.
How long do they live?
15-20 years.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the reptile
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our reptiles. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This slender egg-laying snake earns farmers' favor by hunting mice in grain stores, and is closely related to the rat snakes.
It's the Corn Snake - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Adapted to harsh steppe extremes, this hardy little reptile can spend most of the year dormant underground.
It's the Russian Tortoise - read the full profile →
Clue 3.This docile African snake gets its name from its habit of curling into a tight sphere with its head tucked safely in the center when frightened.
It's the Ball Python - read the full profile →