Aberrant Cali Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae)

Common Name: Californian Kingsnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis californiae
Source: CB
Adult Size: 90–120cm (3–4ft) on average
Native Range: Western United States and north-western Mexico, from California through Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and into Baja California

Enclosure: A minimum 120×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single adult — furnish with a deep substrate of topsoil or coco coir mix, at least two secure hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool), and some low-level décor such as cork bark and artificial foliage to allow natural exploration behaviour
Heating: Basking spot of 30-32°C; cool side ambient of 22–24°C; night-time drop to around 18–20°C is acceptable and beneficial
Humidity: 40–60%; achieved through a layer of moisture-retentive substrate and light spot-misting when approaching a shed — avoid consistently damp conditions as this species tolerates drier environments well
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the snake can bask 20–30cm from the lamp surface — while kingsnakes are crepuscular and not dedicated baskers, low-level UVB exposure supports long-term health and reflects the natural light conditions of their semi-arid habitat
Diet: Defrosted mice or rats of an appropriate size (roughly as wide as the snake's widest point); juveniles fed every 5–7 days, adults every 10–14 days

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Californian Kingsnakes are native to a wide range of western North American habitats — from scrubland and desert edges to grasslands and chaparral — making them highly adaptable, robust snakes with a bold personality to match. They're famous in the reptile world not only for their striking banded, striped, or aberrant patterning, but also for their immunity to pit viper venom, which they use to their advantage in the wild by preying on rattlesnakes.

In captivity they make superb pets for keepers of almost any experience level — they're generally hardy, feed reliably on defrosted prey, and tend to tame down well with regular, gentle handling. Their manageable adult size, straightforward care requirements, and the sheer variety of beautiful colour morphs available make them one of the most popular colubrid (non-venomous, slender-bodied snake) species in the UK hobby.