Honduran Milksnake (Albino het. Anery)

Honduran Milksnake (Albino het. Anery)

Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis
Common Name: Honduran Milksnake

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Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length, with a thick, muscular build and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Albino het. Anery Honduran Milksnake is a vibrant, high-contrast morph showcasing deep reds, bright oranges, and creamy whites in place of the typical red, black, and yellow banding. The Albino gene removes all black pigmentation, replacing it with pale yellows and whites, while the hidden Anerythristic gene—carried but not expressed—has the potential to remove red pigment when combined visually. This combination results in a clean, fiery appearance that highlights the natural tri-coloured banding pattern characteristic of the species. The reds and oranges are bold and saturated, often intensifying as the snake matures, with a distinct creamy or white contrast between each band.

Distribution: Originates from selective captive breeding of the Honduran Milksnake, a subspecies native to Honduras, Nicaragua, and parts of northern Costa Rica.

Habitat: Honduran Milksnakes inhabit tropical forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas across Central America. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.

Behaviour: These snakes are confident, alert, and strong feeders. While occasionally defensive as juveniles, they quickly calm with regular handling and are known for their gentle temperament and bold activity levels as adults.

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Captive Care

Enclosure: Provide an enclosure at least 4 feet × 2 feet × 2 feet for adults. Include multiple hides, climbing opportunities, and smooth décor. A soft, natural substrate such as coconut fibre, soil, or aspen allows burrowing and helps regulate humidity.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (26–30°C) with a basking spot around 90°F (32°C). Allow nighttime drops to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Maintain humidity between 50–70%, with a humid hide provided for shedding.

Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Honduran Milksnakes are reliable feeders that thrive on a consistent schedule.

Behaviour in Captivity: These snakes are inquisitive and highly responsive to their environment. They handle well and are known for their resilience and calm nature, making them a favourite among milksnake keepers.

Special Considerations: Milksnakes should always be housed individually, as they may consume other snakes. The Albino het. Anery form is highly valued for its strong colour expression and breeding potential for producing Ghost or Snow variants.

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Genetics Note

Albino (Recessive): Removes black pigment, leaving reds, yellows, and whites visible. In Honduran Milksnakes, this produces bright red and orange bands separated by creamy white or pale yellow rings.

het. Anery (Recessive Carrier): Carries one copy of the Anerythristic gene, which removes red pigment when visual. (“het” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy of the gene is carried but not expressed.) When combined visually with Albino, it produces the pale, pink-toned Snow morph.

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Genetic Combination Summary

The Honduran Milksnake (Albino het. Anery) expresses one recessive trait and carries a second:

• Albino (Recessive): Visually removes black pigment, producing bright red, orange, and white banding.

• het. Anery (Recessive Carrier): Carries the potential to remove red pigment in offspring, creating Ghost or Snow variants when bred with compatible partners.

This morph combines vivid coloration with valuable genetic potential, making it both a standout display animal and an excellent foundation for breeding lighter, pastel-toned milksnake combinations.