Pueblan Milksnake: Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
In the Wild
Description:
Have wide, brightly colored, very distinct bands running the entire length of their bodies
in tan, black and heavy red or reddish-brown – the bands differ in number and width
with each individual
Size:
o Slender-bodied
o 24-36 in. on average (61-90 cm)
Weight: 0.5-1.0 lb.
Habitat and Range:
Native to a number of Mexican states including Puebla, Morelos and Oaxaca
They live in arid highland desert habitats over 5,500 feet
Diet:
Carnivorous: Prey mainly upon rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes
Adaptations:
Constrictor
o Grabs prey with their teeth and wrap coils of their body around the prey and
squeeze – do not crush the prey and break bones but rather squeeze tightly so
that the prey cannot breathe and suffocates
o Can unhinge their jaw to swallow the prey whole utilizing rhythmic muscular
contractions that pull the prey down into the snake’s throat and stomach
o A special tube on the bottom of its mouth stays open to one side of the mouth
so they can breathe while swallowing
Highly sensitive forked tongue and Jacobson’s organ
o Odor particles are collected by the forked tongue and transported back to the
Jacobson organ in the top of the mouth
o The Jacobson’s organ is a patch of sensory cells (chemoreceptor) that detects
both social chemical communication by pheromones and helps snakes hunt and
track their prey
Use mimicry to scare off potential predators
o They have similar coloration and pattern to venomous coral snakes, making it
easy to confuse them with this dangerous snake species
o By closely imitating/mimicking the bright colors of coral snakes, the milksnake
scares away potential predators that may think they are also venomous
Lifespan:
About 20-30 years
Ecosystem relationships:
07/20/2013
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Pueblan Milksnake: Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
Predators – birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, bobcats
and even other types of kingsnakes
Many are also killed accidentally by passing cars, and sometimes intentionally by fearful
humans
Make a tremendous contribution to rodent control in the rural areas they inhabit
Reproduction:
Breed in late spring and summer
Females lay eggs in rotting wood or beneath rocks and logs, where conditions are
relatively warm and humid
o Lay an average of 10 eggs per clutch, ranging from 6-20 eggs
o After laying the eggs, females leave and do not provide any parental care
Eggs hatch after 2 months
o Each hatchling is only a few inches long when it leaves the egg, looking like a
miniature version of the adults
o Are more brightly colored at birth than the adults, but their color fades as they
mature
Activity:
Nocturnal
Tend to stay out of sight, sheltering beneath fallen logs, stones or piles of debris
Other “fun facts”:
The milksnake got its name from the widespread myth that it milks cows at night – they
may be seen in barns in search of rodents, but snakes do not drink milk
The Pueblan milksnake is a type of kingsnake
o All kingsnakes are native to the western hemisphere
o The “king” in their name refers to their willingness to eat other snakes, even
venomous ones, including rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths –
kingsnakes are able to eat venomous snakes because they are highly resistant to
their venom
Molt/shed several times a year to accommodate growing
o Snake appears duller just before shedding and eyes become cloudy
o Snake will seek out and rub against rough surfaces to dislodge old skin
o Once a tear is made in the skin the snake will crawl out of old skin leaving a shed
behind
o They appear more brightly colored after shedding
o Shedding typically takes a week or longer
Conservation Status and Threats:
Are not listed on the IUCN Red List – are considered stable and widespread
Although they are not considered endangered, it is important to conserve their habitat
to maintain population levels, especially since they are so important for rodent control
07/20/2013
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Pueblan Milksnake: Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
Commonly bred for the pet trade
At the Zoo
Shake hatched in 2010 and was purchased from a dealer as a juvenile in 2011.
What We Can Do
Make sure you know the origin of the products you buy – opt for fake leather over snake
skin products
o All of our shopping choices can have an impact on the environment and wildlife
so when available opt for recycled and local products
o Research responsible companies that do not use animal based products or
testing
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
References:
http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/reptiles/eastern-milksnake/
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-kingsnake.html
http://www.knoxvillezoo.org/animals_attractions/animal_guide/reptiles/pueblan_milk_snake.aspx
http://www.saczoo.org/page.aspx?pid=456
07/20/2013
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore