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Description
Mexican Black Kingsnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula nigrita
Common Name: Mexican Black Kingsnake
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) in length, with a thick, muscular build and smooth, glossy scales.
Appearance: The Mexican Black Kingsnake is a striking, uniform-coloured species known for its deep, jet-black scales that can exhibit a metallic blue or purple sheen under natural light. Unlike most other kingsnake subspecies, which display banded or patterned appearances, this species is almost entirely patternless, occasionally showing faint speckling along the sides in juveniles that fades with age. Adults are completely black from head to tail, with the glossy surface of their scales giving them a polished, mirror-like finish. The eyes are dark with little contrast against the surrounding scales, and the underside is a deep, consistent black. This sleek, shadowy appearance makes them one of the most visually iconic kingsnakes in herpetoculture.
Distribution: Native to northwestern Mexico, particularly the Sonoran Desert and surrounding arid regions of Sonora, Sinaloa, and parts of Baja California.
Habitat: Mexican Black Kingsnakes inhabit deserts, rocky scrublands, and dry grasslands. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.
Behaviour: These snakes are confident, alert, and intelligent. They are known for their strong feeding response and curiosity but are calm and easy to handle once accustomed to regular interaction.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure at least 4 feet × 2 feet × 2 feet for adults. Include multiple hides, climbing structures, and smooth décor. A naturalistic substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or aspen allows burrowing and helps regulate humidity.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (26–30°C) with a basking area near 90°F (32°C). Allow nighttime drops to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Maintain humidity between 40–60%, with a humid hide available during shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Mexican Black Kingsnakes are enthusiastic feeders that rarely refuse meals.
Behaviour in Captivity: Calm, confident, and hardy, these snakes are adaptable and tolerate handling well. They thrive under consistent husbandry and make excellent display or educational animals.
Special Considerations: Kingsnakes should always be housed individually, as they may consume other snakes.
Genetics Note
The Mexican Black Kingsnake is a naturally uniform-coloured subspecies of Lampropeltis getula rather than a selectively bred morph. Some selective breeding projects have focused on enhancing the reflective blue or violet sheen of the scales, producing high-gloss line-bred variants.
Species Summary
The Mexican Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) is one of the most highly regarded and well-recognized kingsnakes in herpetoculture. Its solid black coloration, calm temperament, and ease of care make it a staple among both beginner and advanced keepers. Sleek, striking, and remarkably adaptable, this species exemplifies the beauty of natural minimalism in reptile form.