Mexican Kingsnake

Mexican Kingsnake key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Over 20 years in captivity

Size

61-91cm, up to about 116cm

Temperature

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Frozen-thawed mice; in the wild rodents and lizards

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 a montane species that experiences cold winters in the wild, so apply a winter cooling period if you intend to breed it.

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 under rocks, so include tight ground-level hides as well.

Diet & Feeding

It is carnivorous and in captivity is fed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice. Always feed it alone in the enclosure. In the wild it takes rodents and lizards.

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 highly secretive and rarely shows itself by day, so observation is best at night.

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. It is a medium-sized species that stays at roughly 60 to 90 cm even as an adult, and housing can be planned on that basis.

About Mexican Kingsnake

The Mexican Kingsnake (Nuevo León) is a non-venomous colubrid native to the mountains of northeastern Mexico, known for its black-edged red saddle markings and secretive, nocturnal habits. A hardy species suited to intermediate keepers, it can live 20 years or more in captivity.

7 things to know before welcoming a Mexican Kingsnake

1. 1Nocturnal — Hides Are Essential

   They spend much of the daytime tucked away out of sight, so providing several secure hiding spots helps them settle in. If you want to observe activity, evenings or dimly lit periods are your best chance.

2. 2Mind Temperature and Humidity

   Coming from mountainous northeastern Mexico, this species tends to prefer a cooler, drier setup rather than hot, humid conditions. Create a temperature gradient in the enclosure and keep it within an appropriate range.

3. 3Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   Day-to-day care isn't especially difficult, but this species is generally considered a better fit for someone with prior colubrid-keeping experience than a first-time snake owner. Brushing up on the basics beforehand will help things go smoothly.

4. 4Intricate Red Head Pattern

   Black-bordered red saddle markings run along a gray or brown body, and the head pattern branches in complex, three-pronged ways that vary from one individual to the next. That variation is part of the appeal when choosing one.

5. 5Calm, Secretive Temperament

   They spend a lot of time out of sight and aren't the type to actively come out in front of people. Start handling sessions short and gradually build up as the snake gets used to you.

6. 6Plan for a Long-Term Commitment

   In captivity they can live 20 years or more, so you should be prepared for a long-term commitment to their care. Choosing an enclosure and temperature/humidity setup built to last from the start is a good idea.

7. 7Diet: Frozen-Thawed Mice

   Like other kingsnakes, they generally take well to a diet centered on frozen-thawed mice. Choose prey sized appropriately for the snake and feed on a reasonable schedule.

Frequently asked questions about Mexican Kingsnake

Q.Can a beginner keep a Mexican Kingsnake?

A.This species is generally considered better suited to keepers with some colubrid-keeping experience. Learning the basics of temperature/humidity management and handling beforehand will help you get off to a good start.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach around 61–91 cm in total length, with larger individuals reaching about 116 cm. Set up your enclosure with this eventual size in mind.

Q.How long do they live?

A.It's not unusual for them to live 20 years or more in captivity. Consider whether you're ready for a long-term commitment before bringing one home.

Q.Is it venomous?

A.The Mexican Kingsnake is a non-venomous colubrid. That said, it's best to handle it calmly and avoid startling it to reduce the chance of a bite.

Q.Is the Mexican Kingsnake listed under CITES?

A.The Mexican Kingsnake is not listed under CITES. This is not something you need to worry about.

Useful tools for Mexican Kingsnake care

Learn more about Mexican Kingsnake in the encyclopedia

More in this category