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Species profile · Colubridae

California Kingsnake

Complete care sheet and morph genetics registry for the california kingsnake — husbandry parameters, diet, breeding and pairing calculator.

lampropeltis californiaecal kinglampropeltis getula californiaecalifornia kingkingsnake california
Adult size
0.9–1.2 m
Lifespan
15–20 yrs
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperament
Diurnal/crepuscular
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

California Kingsnake — origin: Western United States and Mexico.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C
Cool side22–24 °C
Warm side28–30 °C
Basking spot29–31 °C
Enclosure (adult)
90 × 45 × 45 cm

Highly secure terrarium

Strong escape artist; hides on both sides

Humidity
40–50 %
Substrate
AspenCypress
UVB
Optional

Optional; low-level UVB beneficial

Water source
Always available

Water bowl available at all times

Origin
Colubridae

Western United States and Mexico

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — rodents — Appropriately sized mice/rats

Ophiophagous species (eats other snakes) — ALWAYS keep singly

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 5–12 eggs/young. Incubation ~60 days

Health watch points
  • Respiratory infections
  • Mites
  • Obesity
  • Incomplete shed
  • Cannibalism if co-housed
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 18 documented genes and 44 named combos for California Kingsnake.

  • Albino (T−) amelanisticRec
  • Aztec / Zigzag zigzagInc.d
  • Lavender Albino (T+) lavenderRec
  • Blue-eyed Blonde bebRec
  • Palomar Ghost ghost (palomar)Rec
  • Hypomelanistic hypoRec
  • Axanthic (Coastal/Black&White) axanthicRec
  • Mosaic mosaic patternRec
  • Chocolate / Nitida (hypermelanistic) nitidaRec
  • Newport (Long Beach) newporterInc.d
  • Newport Mud newport-mudInc.d
  • Long Beach hypermelanistic (Grease king) lb hyperInc.d
  • San Diego striped sd stripedInc.d
  • High White osborn line high whiteDom
  • Banana (Line) banana lineInc.d
  • WhittierRec
  • Whittier Mud striped mud (historic)Rec
  • Whittier Unicolor whittier uniRec
Named combos — 44 documented combined morphs
Albino StripedAlbino MosaicCasperHybinoHigh White Albino (Banana Phenotype)Albino ChocolateSnow (T-)PlatinumPlatinum StripedPink Pastel StripedGhost (Double Recessive)Ghost Striped (Double Recessive)Albino AztecLavender AztecHypo AztecSnow StripedAvalanche (ou Hypo Snow)Lavender StripedLavender MosaicHigh White LavenderHypo LavenderLavender ChocolateHypo StripedHypo MosaicGhost HypoHypo ChocolateGhost StripedGhost MosaicChocolate StripedChocolate MosaicAxanthic StripedGhost (Axanthic Line)Reverse Wide StripeHigh White ChocolateHigh White MosaicDouble Het (Normal Phenotype)Casper StripedHigh White Albino StripedBanana StripedBanana MosaicAlbino NewportWhittier StripedBlonde StripedHypo Blonde
04

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

🧬

California Kingsnake × California Kingsnake

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

GeneParent AParent B
Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.
05

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the california kingsnake.

Is the California kingsnake a good choice for beginners?▾
Yes, it's rated a beginner-level species — hardy and rugged. Its simple care requirements and toughness make it one of the most recommended snakes for a first reptile-keeping experience.
How big does this species get as an adult?▾
The California kingsnake typically reaches 90 to 120 cm as an adult. It's a moderately sized snake that's easy to house and handle.
Can several kingsnakes be housed together?▾
Absolutely not. This is an ophiophagous species that eats other snakes, so it must always be kept singly. Housing two individuals together carries a real risk of cannibalism.
Why does the terrarium need to be especially secure?▾
Because the California kingsnake is a formidable escape artist. Provide a very well-sealed terrarium of at least 90 cm long by 45 cm wide and 45 cm high, with hides on both sides so it feels secure.
What temperatures should be maintained in the terrarium?▾
Set up a hot spot of 29 to 31 °C, a warm side of 28 to 30 °C, and a cool side of 22 to 24 °C, with a nighttime minimum of 20 °C. This thermal gradient lets the snake regulate its own body temperature.
What humidity level suits this species?▾
A moderate humidity of 40 to 50% is sufficient. This snake, native to arid regions, doesn't need a very humid environment day to day.
What does the California kingsnake eat, and how often?▾
It's a carnivore fed appropriately sized mice or rats. Juveniles eat every 5 to 7 days, adults every 7 to 10 days.
Is the California kingsnake pleasant to handle?▾
Its temperament is hardy and rugged. Young snakes can be a bit lively, but they generally settle down as they grow and become quite easy to handle as adults.
How long does this species live?▾
The California kingsnake lives 15 to 20 years in captivity — a solid lifespan commitment to consider before adopting one.
What substrate should be used, and is UVB needed?▾
Aspen and cypress are two suitable substrates. UVB lighting remains optional, though low-level UVB can be beneficial for this diurnal-to-crepuscular species.
Where does the California kingsnake come from, and what health issues should be monitored?▾
It's native to the western United States and Mexico. The most common health concerns are respiratory infections, mites, obesity, and incomplete sheds, not to mention the risk of cannibalism if co-housed.

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