“Blairi phase” Gray Banded Kingsnake

Scientific Name : Lampropeltis alterna

Sex : Male

Length : 3 Ft (Avg. 2 – 4 Feet)

Weight : 6 oz. (Avg. 8 oz. to 1 lb.)

Lifespan : Age 3 years (Longevity 15+ years)

Breeding: Egg Layer, averages 4 – 9 eggs

Range: Western Texas into Northern Mexico

Habitat : Rocky limestone hillsides

Food and Hunting : Primarily nocturnal and highly secretive, Gray Banded Kingsnakes are opportunistic feeders. Small mammals and lizards are their primary prey but they will also feed on snakes, frogs and birds. In captivity they are fed mice and rats appropriate to their age and size.

Conservation : Widely distributed throughout their range, their only threat is the increased encroachment of man on their natural habitat. However due to the harsh habitat they reside in, this threat is minimal. The normal or "alterna" phase lacks the broad orange bands, and resembles a Rock Rattlesnake. In captivity there is a variety of morphs bred.

Captive Care : Medium sized, tame and relatively easy to care for these are excellent choices for captive. Care should be taken to house them individually however due to the possibility of cannibalism. As adults they feed readily on frozen thawed mice and small rats, although as newborns they can very difficult starters. They may need to be fed lizards and can eventually be switched to rodents by scenting their prey item. Beginners are advised to sure they purchase a proven feeder or adult.