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Description
Pueblan Milksnake (Normal)
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, smooth body and glossy scales.
Appearance: The Normal Pueblan Milksnake is a brilliantly coloured tri-banded species featuring alternating rings of red, black, and white or yellow. The red bands are vivid and glossy, often making up nearly half the body’s pattern, while the black rings create bold separation between each contrasting colour. The head is black with a distinct red or white snout patch, and the belly is checkered black and white. This vivid patterning mimics the venomous coral snake, providing effective natural camouflage through Batesian mimicry. Juveniles often hatch with slightly brighter tones that darken subtly as they mature, creating a polished, well-defined adult pattern.
Distribution: Native to southern Puebla, Mexico, and surrounding regions.
Habitat: Pueblan Milksnakes inhabit dry forests, scrublands, and rocky grasslands in central Mexico. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.
Behaviour: Pueblan Milksnakes are confident, alert, and hardy. They are generally calm once accustomed to handling and are known for their dependable feeding behaviour and adaptability.
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%, providing a humid hide during shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. They are reliable, strong feeders that thrive on a consistent diet.
Behaviour in Captivity: Pueblan Milksnakes are active, intelligent, and manageable. They tolerate regular handling and are among the most beginner-friendly milksnake subspecies.
Special Considerations: Milksnakes should always be housed individually, as they may prey on other snakes.
Genetics Note
The Pueblan Milksnake is a naturally colourful subspecies prized for its consistent tri-banded pattern. While the wild type is already vivid, a range of selectively bred and recessive morphs have been developed in captivity, including Albino, Apricot, Oreo, and Large Band variants. These morphs modify colour saturation, band width, or pigmentation intensity, offering a wide variety of appearances while retaining the same tri-band pattern structure. The normal form remains one of the most popular and dependable examples of classic milksnake coloration.
Species Summary
The Normal Pueblan Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli) is one of the most valued and well-recognized milksnakes in herpetoculture. Its bright red, black, and white bands, calm temperament, and strong feeding habits make it both a perfect introductory species and a staple among long-time collectors.