California Kingsnake (Albino Aberrant)

California Kingsnake (Albino Aberrant)

Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula californiae
Common Name: California Kingsnake

Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) in length, with a slender, muscular build and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Albino Aberrant California Kingsnake combines the clean, red-eyed glow of the Albino gene with the irregular, unpredictable banding of the Aberrant pattern. The traditional black pigment is replaced by rich amber and orange tones, while the white bands become cream or soft yellow. The disrupted pattern forms broken bands, offset loops, or partial striping, giving the snake a unique mosaic appearance. The result is a warm-toned, visually striking morph that showcases the best of both colour and pattern variation.

Distribution: Originates from selective captive breeding of the California Kingsnake, which occurs naturally across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Habitat: California Kingsnakes inhabit deserts, scrublands, and grasslands across the southwestern United States. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.

Behaviour: California Kingsnakes are curious, intelligent, and hardy. They are active during the day, quick to explore, and become calm with consistent handling. Their alert yet manageable nature makes them a long-standing favourite in herpetoculture.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A 3-foot × 18-inch × 18-inch enclosure is suitable for adults. Provide multiple hides, smooth décor, and climbing opportunities. Use a soft, naturalistic substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or aspen to maintain humidity and allow natural burrowing.

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). Keep humidity between 40–55%, with a humid hide to assist in shedding.

Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Kingsnakes are strong feeders that rarely refuse meals.

Behaviour in Captivity: These snakes are inquisitive, active, and adaptable. They tolerate regular handling and thrive with stable, consistent husbandry.

Special Considerations: Kingsnakes should always be housed individually to avoid potential cannibalism. Their bright albino pigmentation makes them particularly eye-catching under natural or soft LED lighting.

Genetics Note

Albino (Recessive): Removes black pigmentation, replacing it with warm amber, orange, and cream tones. The eyes are red or pink, and contrast remains bold despite the absence of dark pigment.

Aberrant (Polygenic Selective Trait): Disrupts the normal banding pattern, producing irregular, broken, or offset bands that vary in intensity and placement. Each individual expresses a one-of-a-kind pattern.

Genetic Combination Summary

The California Kingsnake (Albino Aberrant) expresses one recessive and one polygenic trait:

• Albino (Recessive): Eliminates dark pigment, producing bright yellow and orange tones.

• Aberrant (Polygenic): Breaks and distorts banding for an irregular, unpredictable pattern.

Together, these traits create a warm, high-contrast kingsnake with luminous colours and dynamic markings. Popular and well-recognized for its distinctive appearance, the Albino Aberrant California Kingsnake remains a prized example of how selective breeding enhances both colour and pattern in this classic species.