Species information

Gray-banded Kingsnake

Grey-banded Kingsnake

Common name

Gray-banded Kingsnake

Scientific name

Lampropeltis alterna

Family

Colubridae

Appearance

The pattern of the gray banded kingsnake varies a lot. There are however two main phases. Both exhibit a blackground which is grey/blue. One variation (Blairs) has yellow/red saddles with a black border. In the other phase (alterna) the orange/red is all but removed, giving a black striped snake.

Locality

Trans Pecos, Texas and the part of New Mexico which is adjacent.

Adult size

3-4 ft.

Approx lifespan

20 or more years.

REcomended vivarium size

30x12x12in.

Basic set up type

Rocky hillside/savannah. As with all snakes make sure you provide hides at both the warm end and the cool end.

Diet

A diet consisting of rodents is best for the Gray-banded Kingsnake.