Grey Banded King Snake
(Lampropeltis alternata)
Distribution
This species is usually found in rocky and desert areas in the wild. It can be found in the Chihuahuan Desert and in some areas of Texas. Two subspecies are currently recognized and these are The Gray Banded King Snake (
Lampropeltis alternata alterna) and Blairs King Snake (
Lampropeltis alternata blairi).
Size
This species of king snake usually measures under 1 foot as a hatchling and usually reaches sizes of between 70cm and 90cm (28 and 36), although specimens have been recorded which measured almost 150cm (5ft).
Diet
In the wild this species preys on a variety of lizards, mammals, and birds. However, in captivity a diet of suitably sized rodents is adequate. Some specimens will refuse to take anything larger than fuzzies, so check the feeding habits on purchase.
Requirements
- Heat Source: - This can be either reflector (spot) light in green or red, or ceramic bulbs. Thermostatically controlled heat mats can also be used to good effect with this species. All heat sources should be guarded and thermostatically controlled.
- Ultra Violet Light Source: - can be provided with a Reptisun 5.0 UVB lamp. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis. This should be sited no more than 30cm from the basking reptile. Although providing a snake with UVB lighting is controversial, increased behaviour is observed when they are provided with one. It is down to the keepers choice though and they should never be used with snakes with unpoigmented (red) eyes.
- Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
- Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
- Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
- Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
- Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A Vivarium measuring at least 90cm by 45cm by 45cm (3ft by 18 by 18) is required for this species in captivity.
Temperature
A basking area of between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius should be provided, the cooler end of the Vivarium should be allowed to drop to around 24 degrees Celsius.
Humidity and water
A water bowl large enough for the snake to bath in is required. This must be changed daily as it is also the water that the snake drinks.
Longevity
This species of King Snake has been recorded living up to 20 years of age if well looked after.
NB Whilst this species is not as well known for cannibalism (Unlike Lampropeltis getulus) it should still be maintained on its own as it does occasionally occur.
Substrate
The safest substrate to use with this species of snake is either newspaper or chip shop paper, as there is no danger of ingestion whan feeding. This is not very aesthetically pleasing though as bark is another alternative. The bark should be dust free and contain no pine or cedar.
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth
stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society
www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society
www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information
http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Lampropeltis_SP_alterna']
www.petsnakes.co.uk
http://www.zo.utexas.edu/research/txherps/snakes/lampropeltis.alterna.html
http://www.kingsnake.com/king/alterna/alterna.html
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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