Ruthven's Kingsnake

Ruthven's Kingsnake key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Over 20 years in captivity

Size

70-80cm, up to about 130cm

Temperature

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Frozen-thawed mice; in the wild rodents, lizards and other snakes

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 highland 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.

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, lizards and other snakes.

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.

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. The IUCN assesses it as Near Threatened and its highland range is limited, so choose captive-bred animals and confirm the origin of any animal you acquire.

About Ruthven's Kingsnake

A nonvenomous colubrid from central Mexico, Ruthven's Kingsnake (Querétaro) is known for its vivid red-black-white tricolor pattern and unusually consistent coloring. Here's what to know about its care level, lifespan, and adult size before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Ruthven's Kingsnake

1. 1Habitat-Inspired Setup

   Native to the pine-oak forests and grasslands of central Mexico, this species does best in an enclosure that reflects seasonal and day-night temperature swings. A gentle night-time temperature drop helps mimic its natural habitat.

2. 2Vivid Tricolor Pattern

   Its bold red, black, and white banding is more consistent than in other Mexican kingsnakes of the same genus, so each animal tends to show a clean, well-defined pattern. Comparing the subtle variation between individuals is part of the appeal.

3. 3Solitary Housing

   Like other kingsnakes, this species will prey on other snakes, so it should never share an enclosure with another snake of the same or a different species. Always house it alone.

4. 4Secure the Enclosure

   Like most colubrids, it's a strong, persistent escape artist that will exploit any gap in its setup. Choose an enclosure with a tight-fitting, lockable lid and check it regularly.

5. 5Mouse-Based Diet

   Its diet centers on appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice. Match prey size to the snake's body and watch its digestion to gauge the right feeding interval.

6. 6Calm Temperament

   True to its kingsnake heritage, it tends to have a fairly calm temperament and can grow accustomed to handling over time. Individual personalities vary, though, so introduce handling gradually rather than forcing it early on.

7. 7A Long-Term Commitment

   In captivity, it's not unusual for this snake to live 20 years or more, so bringing one home means planning for long-term care. Be prepared to upgrade the enclosure size as it grows.

Frequently asked questions about Ruthven's Kingsnake

Q.Is it suitable for snake-keeping beginners?

A.Its care level is generally rated for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners with no snake experience. Anyone with a basic grounding in reptile care should find it manageable with attentive husbandry.

Q.Is this snake venomous or otherwise dangerous?

A.No, it's a nonvenomous colubrid and poses no venom-related danger. A bite can still be momentarily painful, so handle it calmly and confidently.

Q.Can it be housed with other snakes?

A.No. Kingsnakes are known to prey on other snakes, so this species should always be kept alone in its own enclosure.

Q.How large does it get?

A.Adults typically reach 70-80cm in length, with the largest individuals topping out around 130cm. It's a moderately sized snake rather than a giant species, which makes it easier to manage.

Q.Is this species subject to CITES?

A.This species is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Ruthven's Kingsnake care

Learn more about Ruthven's Kingsnake in the encyclopedia

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