Blanchard's Milksnake

Common Name: Blanchard's Milksnake
Scientific Name: Lampropelitis triangulum blanchardi

Information Sheet - Blanchard's Milksnake

Introduction:

This is a species of kingsnake with a striking appearance; its scientific name is Lampropelitis triangulum blanchardi while the common name is Blanchard’s Milksnake. It has the resemblance of a coral snake.

Description:

The snake has a typical color pattern made up of different colorful bands. It has black, yellow or red bands of about the same width. The black and yellow bands are almost one third to one fourth the width of the red bands. The race has moderate black to light tipping on its red scales. However, there is no black or light tipping on the ones with white or yellow scales. The normal adult has a length of about 91 to 107 centimeters translating to 3 to 3.5 feet or 42 inches.

Geographic Range:

The species is restricted to Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They are also common in southeastern Canada down to South and Central America.

Habitat:

It is absent in areas with dry thornscrub but is commonly found in grasslands.  During the day, they are normally found under wood and in old barns.

Behavior:

It is a nocturnal snake and a rather opportunistic eater. It consumes various animals like birds, reptiles, invertebrates and rodents. Its eating patterns are of a nocturnal eater.  

Reproduction:

The female is an oviparous snake laying about 10 eggs in every clutch. The Blanchard’s Milksnakes mate from May to June. At around June and July, the female lays two to twenty four eggs under logs and rocks. The incubation period for the eggs is approximately two months and they hatch at around September

Captivity:

It is among the snakes that are not common in the pet trade. However, as long as proper conditions are provided, it is very easy to care for this type of snake. It can be housed together with other snakes as it does not attack other snakes and has a life span of about 15 years.