Pueblan milk snake
Pueblan milk snake
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Lampropeltis
Species:
L. triangulum
Subspecies:
L. t. campbelli
Trinomial name
Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
Quinn, 1983[1]

Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli, commonly known as the Pueblan milk snake or Campbell's milk snake, is an egg-laying subspecies of non-venomous colubrid snake. It is commonly bred in captivity and is found in several color variations. When handled, it can discharge a pungent-smelling exudate from its cloaca as a presumed defense mechanism.

Taxonomy

The generic name (Lampropeltis) is derived from the Ancient Greek lamprós (λαμπρος) meaning "bright" and peltas (πελτας) meaning "shield", after the sheen of their scales. Its specific name (triangulum) is Latin for "triangle" and refers to the three colours found on the scales of the species (red, black, and yellow). Its subspecific name, campbelli, is a Latinization of the last name of American herpetologist Jonathan A. Campbell.[1][2]

Description

The Pueblan milk snake has a tri-color pattern of red, black, and white bands. Adult Pueblan milk snakes reach lengths of 36 to 48 inches.[3] The Pueblan milk snake has a resemblance to the coral snake and this similarity in colour, known as Batesian mimicry, helps protect the snake from potential predators.[4] They can be distinguished from other subspecies due to wide white bands, and frequent black tipping over the red bands. Also, the red in campbelli tends to be especially vibrant and bright compared to other subspecies. Non-morph Pueblan milk snakes always have pure white coloration on their light bands, save for some black speckling.

Geographic distribution

The Pueblan milk snake is found in southern Puebla, eastern Morelos and northern Oaxaca, Mexico.

Behaviour

Pueblan milk snakes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They tend to be flighty and nervous when disturbed by humans. They rarely bite unless provoked a large amount.

Diet

Pueblan milk snakes will feed on anything they can overpower. They will consume prey such as mice, rats, birds, lizards, frogs, and other snakes, including venomous snakes.[5]

In captivity

Pueblan milk snakes adapt well in captivity if kept between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a night time temperature drop of 5 to 10 degrees. Temperature control is important, as it maintains the animal's feeding response and digestion. Cages should be escape proof, and fresh water provided at all times. A hide box is necessary, since Pueblans are more comfortable in confined spaces. King snakes and milk snakes must be housed separately (except during the breeding season) because they are cannibalistic. Pueblan milk snakes are widely bred and very affordable, likely being the most common subspecies in captivity.

They can be flighty and will typically defecate when initially handled, though they will rarely bite. They become more docile with regular handling.[3]

Reproduction

Pueblan milk snakes brumate for a period of 3–4 months from November through early March emerging to mate at the end of this time period. Females are triggered in this way to ovulate and produce a pheromone trail which the males follow. The female lays 2-15 eggs 30 days after mating. The juveniles hatch 2 months (55–60 days) later.

References

  1. 1 2 Quinn, Hugh R. (1983). "Two new subspecies of Lampropeltis triangulum from México". Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science. 85 (4): 113–135. doi:10.2307/3628164. JSTOR 3628164.
  2. ↑ Liner, Ernest A. (1994). Scientific and Common Names for the Amphibians and Reptiles of Mexico in English and Spanish, 1st Ed. Society for the Study of Amphibians & Reptiles. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-916984-32-8.
  3. 1 2 Bartlett, Richard D. (2000). Milksnakes and Tricolored Kingsnakes. New Holland Publishers Ltd. p. 48. ISBN 978-0-7641-1128-0.
  4. ↑ O'Shea, Mark (2008). Venomous Snakes of the World. New Holland Publishers Ltd. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-84773-086-2.
  5. ↑ Love, Bill (1997). World's Most Spectacular Reptiles and Amphibians. Carmichael & Carmichael. pp. 208. ISBN 978-1-884942-06-8.
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