PUEBLAN MILK SNAKE

(Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli)

Description

Milk snakes are split into 25 subspecies. The Pueblan milk snake tends to display the typical red-black-white-black or red-black-yellow-black pattern. Females tend to be larger than males and they have the potential to reach up to 6ft in length although many will be smaller than this. In captivity, the average lifespan for a milk snake is 15 years.

Habitat & Distribution

Milk snakes are native to regions in both North and South America with the Pueblan milk snake inhabiting southern Puebla, eastern Morelos and northern Oaxaca, Mexico.

Diet

Their diet is varied; they will take small rodents, birds, lizards, amphibians and even other snakes.

Conservation Status

Least concern.

Did you know?

The name milk snake comes from the myth that these snakes would steal milk from cows’ udders – a rumour that began as they were often sighted around barns. This is untrue and they would have actually been in the barns on the lookout for a tasty mouse or two!

It is not uncommon for these snakes to musk when they feel threatened. This means they release a foul smelling substance to warn other animals to stay away.

The markings on milk snakes are designed to mimic the deadly coral snake as a defence against predators. There is a simple rhyme to help you to distinguish between a milk snake and a coral snake based on the differences in their markings; Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, venom lack.