Scientific name
Lampropeltis getula
Lampropeltis getula is distinct from other kingsnakes, particularly L. nigra and L. californiae. [1][2]
Origin
Eastern United States, from New Jersey to Florida and Alabama. [2]
- Terrestrial
- Constrictor
- Solitary
At a glance
| ADULT SIZE | 90–122 cm Average range; published maximum of 208,3 cm [1]. |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | 20 years and + General captive reference for kingsnakes [3]. |
| LIFESTYLE | Diurnal to crepuscular Activity changes with season and heat [2]. |
Adult size
90–122 cm on average; a maximum of 208,3 cm is cited in the Reptile Database. [1]
Lifespan
ReptiFiles states 20 years or more for captive kingsnakes; a species-specific average is not established here. [3]
Lifestyle
Active by day or at dusk according to the season. [2]
Housing
ONE SNAKE PER HABITAT
≈ 122 × 61 × 61 cm — General ReptiFiles reference for an individual around 1,2 m long; enlarge if necessary [3].
ReptiFiles recommends one individual per habitat, with enough length for full stretching. [3]
Care parameters
WARM SURFACE · DAY
29–32 °C — Surface temperature, according to ReptiFiles [3].
COOL AREA · DAY
21–26 °C — General reference from the same care sheet [3].
Humidity
40–60 % — General ambient conditions suggested by ReptiFiles; provenance can alter the need [3].
Warm surface
29–32 °C. [3] General kingsnake care sheet.
Cool area
21–26 °C. [3] Measure separately from the heated support.
Humidity
40–60 %. [3] General reference, to be qualified according to provenance.
Night
No numerical value reproduced. Record the minimum observed.
Feeding
AN APPROPRIATE DIET
Whole thawed prey suited to body size, according to ReptiFiles. [3]
Feeding
Whole thawed prey suited to body size, according to ReptiFiles. [3]
Behaviour and precautions
In the wild, it eats other snakes among its prey. This behaviour explains caution about cohabitation. [2][3]
Useful records
Record mass, accepted or refused meals, sheds and probe locations. A measurement benefits from being accompanied by its time and zone. Compare observations over time; an unusual change warrants veterinary advice.
Checklist
- Check closures and supports.
- Identify every measurement zone.
- Keep provenance data.
Observations to record
- Meals
- Weight
- Sheds
- Temperatures
The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.
Related guides
Original guides in French
Sources
Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- The Reptile Database — Lampropeltis getula
Source accessed - University of Georgia, SREL — Eastern Kingsnake
Source accessed - ReptiFiles — Kingsnake Care Sheet
Source accessed