Orange Pueblan Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli)

Common Name: Pueblan Milksnake
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli
Source: CB25
Adult Size: Typically 90–120cm (3–4ft)
Native Range: Central Mexico, primarily the state of Puebla and surrounding regions

Enclosure: A minimum 90×45×45cm Viperia PVC vivarium is suitable for most adults, though a 120×45×45cm is preferred for larger individuals. Provide a loose, moisture-retentive substrate such as coconut fibre or topsoil, at least two secure hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side), and a few low branches or cork bark pieces for enrichment. A secure, well-fitting lid is essential — these snakes are accomplished escape artists.
Heating: Warm side surface temperature of 28–30°C, with a cool side ambient of 22–24°C. Night-time temperatures can drop to around 18–20°C without issue.
Humidity: Maintain 40–60% relative humidity. Providing a moist hide with a moisture-retentive substrate, is usually sufficient. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant damp conditions.
UVB: A 6% UVB tube, positioned so the snake can benefit from it at 20–30cm distance, is recommended. While Pueblan Milksnakes are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and do not bask intensively, low-level UVB exposure supports general health and natural behaviour.
Diet: Appropriately sized defrosted mice, offered every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Always feed pre-killed or defrosted prey for safety. Hatchlings typically start on pinky mice and graduate to larger prey as they grow.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Pueblan Milksnake hails from the rocky scrublands and arid hillsides of central Mexico, where its vivid bands of red, black, and white (or in the case of the albino, bold orange, yellow, and white) serve as a striking visual display. Captive-bred albinos replace the black banding with a clean, contrasting white, producing one of the most eye-catching colour forms available in the hobby today.

Pueblan Milksnakes are widely regarded as an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate keepers alike — they tend to settle down quickly with calm, regular handling, feed reliably on defrosted rodents, and remain a very manageable size throughout their lives. If you are looking for a visually spectacular snake that is straightforward to care for, this species consistently delivers.