Gray-Banded Kingsnake

Gray-Banded Kingsnake key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Over 20 years in captivity

Size

91-120cm, up to about 147cm

Temperature

Basking surface 29-32°C / cool side 21-26°C

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Frozen-thawed mice; in the wild lizards and rodents

Temperature & Humidity

Create a gradient with a basking surface of 29-32C and a cool side of 21-26C. Aim for average humidity of 40-60 per cent, naturally a little higher on the cool side and at night. Raising humidity before a shed helps prevent retained skin. It is an arid-land species, but provide a humid hide when it is in shed.

Enclosure

A minimum enclosure of about 120 x 60 x 60 cm per adult is recommended, and larger is better. It is active and explores a great deal, so provide branches and hides on both the warm and cool sides. It is strong and an accomplished escaper, so use a front-opening enclosure that locks securely. It hides in rock crevices, so stack flat stones or cork to create tight retreats.

Diet & Feeding

It is carnivorous and in captivity is fed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice. In the wild it takes rodents, lizards and other snakes. Always feed it alone in the enclosure. Wild hatchlings favour lizards, so captive-hatched young can be reluctant to take mice and may need prey to be scented.

Temperament

Kingsnakes are ophiophagous and will eat each other, so they must be kept alone. They are generally docile and easy to handle, but wash your hands after feeding so they do not mistake them for prey. It is nocturnal and hides by day, so observation and feeding are best done in the evening.

Notes

The species is not listed in the CITES appendices, and it is neither a specified animal nor an invasive alien species under Japanese law. It is non-venomous and harmless to people, but escaped snakes are hard to recover, so keep the enclosure securely locked. A winter cooling period of about a month at roughly 10-16C is regarded as a condition for breeding.

About Gray-Banded Kingsnake

The Gray-Banded Kingsnake is a nonvenomous snake with gray coloring and reddish-orange bands, native to the southwestern US, living 20+ years in captivity.

7 things to know before welcoming a Gray-Banded Kingsnake

1. 1Requires an arid enclosure setup

   Since this species comes from dry, rocky habitats, humidity should be kept on the low side with a dry substrate. Provide multiple hides and decorate with rocks or driftwood to help it feel secure.

2. 2Needs a proper temperature gradient

   Set up both a warm side and a cool side in the enclosure so the snake can thermoregulate on its own. Pay attention to nighttime temperature drops and seasonal fluctuations as well.

3. 3Nocturnal and generally quiet

   This species is mainly active at night and tends to stay hidden during the day. It's generally considered calm and manageable, though individual temperament varies, so give a new snake time to settle before handling.

4. 4Plan enclosure size for adult growth

   Adults typically reach 91–120 cm in length, with larger individuals approaching around 147 cm. Planning enclosure size with full adult growth in mind from the start can save you from having to upgrade later.

5. 5Watch for incomplete sheds

   While this species prefers dry conditions, humidity that's too low can lead to incomplete sheds. When you notice signs of an upcoming shed, adding a humid hide with damp sphagnum moss can help the process go smoothly.

6. 6Diet centers on rodents

   Feeding typically consists of frozen-thawed mice or similar rodents. Choose prey sized appropriately for the snake, and adjust feeding frequency and portion size based on its condition.

7. 7Commit to a long-term relationship

   This species can live 20 years or more in captivity. Before bringing one home, think carefully about whether you can commit to its care for many years to come.

Frequently asked questions about Gray-Banded Kingsnake

Q.Is the Gray-Banded Kingsnake suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers, requiring some knowledge of temperature and humidity management as well as individual variation. First-time reptile keepers may want to gain some basic experience before taking one on.

Q.How large does it get as an adult?

A.Adults typically reach 91–120 cm in length, with larger individuals approaching around 147 cm. Enclosure size should be reassessed as the snake grows.

Q.How long does this species typically live?

A.In captivity, it's not unusual for this species to live 20 years or more. Consider this long lifespan when deciding whether to bring one home.

Q.Does coloring and pattern vary between individuals?

A.Yes, band width and the intensity of the reddish-orange coloring vary considerably between individuals. Part of the appeal is that no two snakes look exactly alike, even within the same species.

Q.Is this species subject to any international trade regulations?

A.This species is not listed under CITES.

Useful tools for Gray-Banded Kingsnake care

Learn more about Gray-Banded Kingsnake in the encyclopedia

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