California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis californiae

The California kingsnake is a classic American colubrid that makes an outstanding beginner snake due to its hardiness, reliable feeding response, and beautiful banded patterns. Native to the western United States, cal kings come in various patterns including banded, striped, and aberrant, with colors ranging from classic black and white to chocolate brown and banana yellow morphs. Kingsnakes get their royal name from their habit of eating other snakes - including venomous species - so they must ALWAYS be housed separately as they will consume cage mates given the opportunity. Despite this fierce reputation toward other snakes, California kingsnakes are docile with humans and rarely bite once past the nippy juvenile stage.