Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a beautifully banded snake that’s stunning and easy to care for?
Meet the Pueblan Milk Snake, a vibrant and captivating reptile that’s quickly becoming a favourite among snake enthusiasts.
With its striking red, black, and white bands, this snake not only looks impressive but also has a gentle nature that makes it an ideal pet.
Let’s discover everything about this stunning snake in this guide.
Pueblan Milk Snake History
The Pueblan Milk Snake is native to Mexico, where it has lived in the wild for many years. It is found in the regions of Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz.
Historically, this snake has been a part of the local ecosystem, thriving in semi-arid and rocky environments.
Over time, they gained popularity in the pet trade due to their striking appearance and manageable size. Breeders began to selectively breed these snakes, creating different colour variations and patterns.
This has led to the development of various snake morphs, making them a favourite among reptile enthusiasts.
Today, they are well-known and widely kept in captivity, admired for their beauty and relatively easy care.
Pueblan Milk Snake Taxonomy
They belong to the Colubridae family, which is a large group of non-venomous snakes. Its scientific name is Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli.
They belong to the genus Lampropeltis, which includes various species of kingsnakes and milk snakes. Its species name, triangulum, refers to the broader group of milk snakes. Within this species, the subspecies campbelli specifically identifies the Pueblan Milk Snake.
Pueblan Milk Snake Characteristics
Pueblan Milk Snake Appearance
The Pueblan Milk Snake morph is known for their striking colour pattern, featuring broad bands of red, black, and white or yellow along their bodies.
The bands are typically red with black edges, followed by a lighter white or yellow band, creating a vibrant and eye-catching appearance.
Their scales are smooth, giving them a sleek and shiny look. Pueblan Milk Snake’s eyes are medium-sized with round pupils, and the snake lacks heat-sensing pits.
Their head is slightly pointed and blend smoothly into the body.
Pueblan Milk Snake Size & Weight
They reach an average length of 3 to 4 feet. Males and females are generally similar in size, but some females may be slightly larger.
Milk Snake Pueblan typically weigh between 100 to 300 grams when fully grown.
Behavior & Temperature
Like many corn snake morphs, they have a calm and friendly nature. This gentle nature makes them a great choice for pet lovers.
They may be a bit shy initially, but with regular handling, they become more comfortable around humans.
Like Ball Pythons, they are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They enjoy burrowing and hiding under the substrate. They are also good climbers and may explore branches or decorations in their enclosure.
Pueblan Milk Snake Habitat
These Snakes are native to Mexico, particularly in the regions of Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. These snakes are typically found in semi-arid regions, including grasslands, rocky areas, and open forests. These snakes often seek shelter under rocks, logs, or in burrows.
They thrive in warm environments with moderate humidity. They are adapted to both dry and slightly humid conditions.
Pueblan Milk Snake Lifespan
In captivity, they can live for 15 to 20 years with proper care. In the wild, their lifespan is often shorter due to predators and environmental factors.
Pueblan Milk Snake Defensive Mechanism
When threatened, they may coil their bodies and release a foul-smelling musk to deter predators. They might also mimic the behaviour of venomous coral snakes by flattening their bodies and displaying their bright colours.
Venom: They are non-venomous snakes, relying on their constriction abilities and mimicry for defence.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, they are currently classified as a species of Least Concern, meaning they are not considered threatened.
Habitat loss and capture for the pet trade could be threats to these Snakes. But so far, these issues haven’t had a big impact on the Pueblan Milk Snake population.
Pueblan Milk Snake Cost
Their cost can vary depending on their age:
- Hatchling: $50 to $100
- Juvenile: $100 to $150
- Adult: $150 to $200
Prices can also vary based on factors like colour patterns, availability, and the breeder.
Pueblan Milk Snake Breeding & Reproduction
These Snakes usually breed in the spring. In the wild, they start mating when the weather warms up after winter.
In captivity, you might need to simulate this seasonal change by adjusting the temperature and light conditions.
They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. A female Pueblan Milk Snake typically lays a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs. The exact number can vary.
The eggs need about 55 to 70 days to hatch. The temperature and humidity levels need to be carefully controlled to ensure the eggs develop properly.
Famous Pueblan Milk Snake Combinations
Albino Pueblan Milk Snake: These snakes have a beautiful yellow and white colour due to the lack of pigment, making them quite striking.
Tangerine Pueblan Milk Snake: Known for their vibrant orange and red colours, these snakes are highly sought after by collectors.
Hypomelanistic Pueblan Milk Snake: These snakes have reduced black pigment, giving them a lighter and more vibrant appearance.
Pueblan Milk Snake Care Sheet
Enclosure Requirements
For a Pueblan Milk Snake, the minimum recommended tank size is 20 gallons. However, as the snake grows, a 40-gallon tank or larger is ideal to provide ample space for movement and exploration.
A glass terrarium is perfect for them, as it allows for easy viewing and temperature control. Plastic tubs can also work, especially for hatchlings or smaller setups.
Substrate: Aspen shavings are a great choice for your Milk Snakes because they allow for burrowing, which these snakes enjoy. Cypress mulch is another excellent option that helps retain moisture.
Also, add some branches, rocks, and artificial plants to the enclosure to mimic the snake’s natural environment.
Temperature & Heating
It’s important to create a temperature gradient in the enclosure. The warm side should be around 85-90°F, while the cool side should be around 75-80°F.
Basking Spot: A basking spot with a temperature of 88-90°F is ideal. This can be provided using a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter.
At night, the temperature can drop slightly to around 70-75°F. This mimics the natural environment and helps maintain a healthy milk snake.
Use Heating Equipment like Heat mats, ceramic heaters, or heat lamps to provide a secure heating feel. Ensure that any heat source is controlled with a thermostat to avoid overheating.
Humidity & Lighting
The ideal humidity level for a Pueblan Milk Snake is between 40-60%. This range supports proper shedding and overall health.
Utilize a hygrometer to track humidity levels and make any corrections.
Maintain a consistent day/night cycle by providing 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. This helps regulate the snake’s natural rhythms.
They do not require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial in small amounts. If you choose to provide UVB, ensure it is a low-output bulb and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for placement.
Pueblan Milk Snake Diet
Like many ball python morphs, they primarily feed on rodents, such as mice. Offering appropriately sized prey (usually the same width as the snake’s widest part) is essential for proper nutrition.
Juvenile Pueblan Milk Snakes should be fed once a week, while adult milk snakes fed every 7-10 days. Adjust feeding frequency based on the snake’s activity level and body condition.
Always thaw frozen prey to room temperature before offering it to the snake. Use feeding tongs to present the prey, reducing the risk of accidental bites.
Generally, they do not require vitamin or calcium supplements if they are fed a balanced diet of appropriately sized rodents.
Provide a shallow water bowl large enough for the snake to soak in. Place it on the cool side of the enclosure to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly.
Handling
Pueblan Milk Snake handling should be done 1-2 times per week to maintain tameness. But avoid handling for at least 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
Allow the snake to explore your hands rather than restraining it. Start with short handling sessions and gradually increase the time as the snake becomes more accustomed to being held.
Shedding
In Milk Snakes shedding starts, when their colour dulls and their eyes become cloudy. During the process, the snake will rub against rough surfaces to help remove the old skin.
Ensure there are rough textures in the enclosure, like branches or rocks, to assist in this process.
If your milk snake has trouble shedding, such as retaining eye caps or incomplete sheds, increase humidity slightly and offer a shallow, lukewarm water bath to help them.
Proper humidity is key to a successful shed. Ensure that the enclosure maintains the correct humidity levels, especially during shedding.
Pueblan Milk Snake Health & Common Issues
Generally, can live long, healthy lives if cared for properly. However, like any pet snake, they can face health issues. Here we explain some common health problems:
If you notice any signs of illness, such as lack of appetite, weight loss, or unusual behaviour, consult a reptilian vet. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
Conclusion
The Pueblan Milk Snake is a stunning and friendly reptile, perfect for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their pet collection. With its vibrant patterns and manageable size, it’s a great choice for both new and experienced snake owners. By providing the right care, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of this remarkable snake.
