Photo Disclaimer
Description
Pueblan Milksnake (Oreo)
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
Common Name: Pueblan Milksnake
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) in length, with a slender, agile body and smooth, glossy scales.
Appearance: The Oreo Pueblan Milksnake is a striking, dark-toned morph characterized by its high-contrast black-and-white coloration. This selectively bred line reduces or removes red pigmentation entirely, leaving alternating bands of deep black and clean white or pale grey. The result is a crisp, monochromatic pattern reminiscent of its namesake dessert. Some individuals display faint cream or silver hues in place of pure white, while others maintain sharp, bold contrast across the entire body. The black pigment often extends slightly into the light bands, giving a naturally edged appearance that enhances the overall definition. This visually unique morph stands out as one of the most dramatic and easily recognizable variants within the species.
Distribution: Originates from selective captive breeding of the Pueblan Milksnake, a subspecies native to southern Puebla, Mexico.
Habitat: Pueblan Milksnakes inhabit dry forests, scrublands, and rocky grasslands in central Mexico. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.
Behaviour: These snakes are confident, hardy, and responsive to regular handling. They are active feeders and adapt well to routine husbandry.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure at least 3–4 feet in length for adults. Include multiple hides, smooth décor, and climbing branches. A naturalistic substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or aspen allows burrowing and helps maintain humidity.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–85°F (25–29°C) with a basking area near 88–90°F (31–32°C). Allow nighttime drops to around 70°F (21°C). Maintain humidity between 50–65%, offering a humid hide during shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Pueblan Milksnakes are strong feeders with excellent appetites.
Behaviour in Captivity: Active, curious, and well-tempered, these snakes thrive under consistent care and stable conditions. Their bold patterning makes them a standout display animal.
Special Considerations: Milksnakes should always be housed individually, as they may consume other snakes.
Genetics Note
Oreo (Polygenic Selective Trait): A selectively bred colour line that minimizes or eliminates red pigmentation, producing stark black-and-white banding. This appearance results from line breeding rather than a single-gene mutation.
Polygenic Nature: The Oreo trait is polygenic, meaning expression varies among individuals. Some display near-perfect black-and-white contrast, while others show light cream or grey tones where red would normally appear. Multi-generational selective pairing has refined the bold, high-contrast look typical of the Oreo line.
Genetic Combination Summary
The Pueblan Milksnake (Oreo) expresses a selectively bred, polygenic colour reduction trait:
-
Oreo (Polygenic): Removes red pigment through selective breeding, producing sharp black-and-white or black-and-cream banding.
This morph represents the pinnacle of selective refinement in monochromatic colour balance. The Oreo Pueblan Milksnake is highly regarded and well-recognized for its clean contrast, minimalistic beauty, and its success as a stable, line-bred form within the species.