Species group: Kingsnakes and Milksnakes
Scientific name: Lampropeltis alterna
The Gray-banded Kingsnake is native to southeastern Texas and northern Mexico. It prefers living under boulders in rocky canyons and hillsides, and is a secretive, nocturnal snake.
Appearance / health:
Lampropeltis alterna is a medium sized snake which rarely exceeds three feet in length. It is a brilliantly colorful snake, and though color and pattern can vary, it is generally marked with broad bands of gray that alternate with narrower bands of black. The black bands are usually outlined with a single row of white scales which can be highlighted with a red band in the middle of the black bands.
This is a secretive, nocturnal snake and it prefers having a hide in its habitat to make the snake feel secure.
Captive care for the Gray-banded Kingsnake is similar to that of other Kingsnakes. A dry, heated, 20 gallon terrarium is sufficient for an adult snake. A temperature of 70°F - 80°F during the day and in the low 70's at night is believed to be ideal.
Gray-banded Kingsnakes primarily feed on lizards and rodents.
Breeding takes place in early summer and the clutch may contain up to 12 eggs.
different colorations, wide orange bands, display snake, captive bred animals, outgoing snakes
beginners, natural defense mechanism, scent glands
Alternas & Blairs - Welcome to my world!
To me, these are the coolest snakes on the planet. They have a following among those obsessed like myself that is almost cult-like. Originally, scientists thought that these were 2 different species when in fact it was actually the same, just different colorations. Blairs phase, like my avatar, are known for wide orange bands on a light gray, almost blue background. Alternas tend to be gray with black bands and specks, with minimal orange mixed in. Either are very cool and most Alterna heads like myself get locality specific and keep snakes from different roads and counties in Southwest Texas such as Loma Alta - River Road - Hwy 277 - Christmas Mountain & Juno Road. They make a great pet and adapt well to captivity but as with all my pets, I believe in captive-bred only. They are kept like other Kings but the babies can be hard to get started on pinkies since they eat lizards in nature. I have had good luck "scenting" a pinkie with a house gecko and sometimes even then it has been difficult. With patience, over time, I have been successful in breeding these magnificent animals. This is one cool snake and like snow flakes, no 2 are exactly the same. I highly recommend this snake for someone who something unusual but has worked with other snakes such as Kings or Corns before. Check this out -
From Black Mamba Sep 21 2009 8:20PM