In the western side of the United States, there is a snake species with a reputation for eating other snakes. But there is more to the desert kingsnake than being a consumer of its own kind.
The desert kingsnake was once a subspecies of the common kingsnake; now, it is recognized as a distinct group. This nocturnal snake has prominent black and yellow colors and resides in the US west. This carnivorous reptile can tolerate the venom of other snakes, allowing it to eat them.
This snake species is interesting because although it does eat other snakes, it is non-venomous, plays dead when threatened, and has a docile temperament in captivity. Learn more about this magnificent reptile through this article.
General Info
The desert kingsnake is scientifically known as Lampropeltis splendida. Previously, though, its scientific name was Lampropeltis getulus splendida.
However, in 2009, Pyron and Burbrink published a paper revising the taxonomic organization of the common kingsnake species. This led to the reinstatement of the desert kingsnake as a separate species (along with four other common kingsnake subgroups).
Besides its taxonomic background, here is a summary table of the most basic information you should know about desert kingsnakes:
| Characteristic | Specifics |
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis splendida |
| Color | Black and Yellow |
| Average Size | 3 to 4 ft (91.44 to 121.92 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12 to 20 years |
| Venomous | Non-venomous |
| Habitat | Terrestrial (lives near water sources and can climb trees) |
| Social Habits | Solitary |
| Diurnal/Nocturnal | nocturnal (Active during the night) |
| IUCN Red List Status | Least Concern |
Appearance & Morphs
The desert kingsnake has a prominently glossy black to dark brown appearance. Such dark colors are marked or speckled by yellow to whitish stipples or crossbands. These yellow areas are concentrated along the snake’s lower sides, while its abdomen is primarily black (if not all).
You are most likely to confuse a desert kingsnake with a California kingsnake. They have similar appearances and reside in the same region. However, the latter’s stripes are more evident.
There are no officially declared morphs of desert kingsnakes. Thus, you can expect them to only vary in black and yellow or white patterns.
However, some forums claim that an axanthic (non-yellow pigmented) morph exists. One is sold and labeled as such on the Morph Market site. But beyond the forum and commercial sites, I find few official resources to support them.
Size
Adult desert kingsnakes are usually 3 to 4 feet (91.44 to 121.92 centimeters) long only. However, some can go as long as 6.8 feet (207.264 centimeters). Thus, if you plan to get one, you must ensure that your enclosure can accommodate even the size outliers.
Lifespan
Desert kingsnakes can live up to 20 years old. The actual length depends highly on how well-taken care of they are and the environment they are in. Thus, if you plan to commit to getting a kingsnake, be prepared to have them for a decade or more.
Venomous/Poisonous
Desert kingsnakes are NEITHER venomous nor poisonous. Instead, their defense mechanisms include escaping, playing dead, hissing, rustling leaves, striking, or musking. They are also powerful constrictors.
Musking is when a snake excretes a potent substance from its cloaca or the opening near its tail. The foul smell is expected to drive away other creatures. It is a common tactic among non-venomous snakes.
Another thing about kingsnakes is that although they are non-venomous, they can tolerate venom from other snakes, such as vipers, rattlesnakes, cotton snakes, and more. They are capable of doing so because of an enzyme they naturally produce.
However, it must be noted that they are NOT resistant to all forms of snake venom. Usually, their venom resistance is limited to the species they share the region with.
Behavior & Temperament
Although they have a firm grip, venom resistance, and eat other snakes regularly, desert kingsnakes aren’t as intimidating as they seem.
Indeed, they are described as docile; some even try to domesticate them. Even when cornered in the wild, their first action isn’t aggression. Instead, they try to escape or play dead by flipping and lying on their backs.
Another thing about desert kingsnakes is that they are solitary and cannibalistic animals. Thus, keeping them in an enclosure with other snakes, even those of the same species, is discouraged.
Lastly, these kingsnakes are nocturnal. Thus, expect them to hide during the day and come out only at night.
Care
Because of their docile nature, desert kingsnakes can make good pets. If you’re interested in getting one, here is the critical information about their care.
Diet
Like all other snakes, desert kingsnakes are obligate carnivores. That is, they need to eat meat. Thus, do not attempt to place them on a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Here are some things desert kingsnakes eat:
- Mice or rodents
- Bird and reptile eggs
- Small snakes
- Small mammals
- Turtles
- Birds
- Lizards
- Frogs
Water
In the wild, desert kingsnakes usually reside near water sources. Thus, you must provide them with a large dish with an ample fresh water supply to mimic their natural environment.
These snakes may soak on the provided dish, causing water to splash. If so, make sure to clean the damp substrate.
Shedding
Desert kingsnakes start shedding in their first week. Proper humidity levels must be maintained to help them shed more quickly. They must not be disturbed, too, as it is a stressful period for them; they may not even eat, and that’s normal.
Hibernation
Desert kingsnakes also hibernate from fall to winter in colder areas. However, the more appropriate term for snakes is brumation, as they are cold-blooded animals. They may only seek water during such periods and spend the rest in a torpor.
Besides winter hibernation, desert kingsnakes also have summer hibernation. This behavior helps them manage extreme heat.
Housing/Enclosure
Desert kingsnakes’ recommended enclosure or housing size is 48 x 18 x 18 inches (121.92 x 45.72 x 45.72 centimeters). A 29 to 40-gallon (109.777 to 151.416 liters) would be sufficient if you want to go by capacity.
However, you can start smaller if your kingsnake is still young. Also, provide them with hiding spots, like pots, caves, or other functional decors.
Heating
Like other snake enclosures, it is encouraged to have two sides – hot and cold – in your desert kingsnake’s housing. You can use a heat mat to achieve 83 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 32 degrees Celsius).
Consider using a bulb or light to provide lighting and heating at once. But if you do so, consider wrapping or surrounding the bulb with grills to prevent snakes from coiling and getting burned.
Lighting
Although nocturnal, a bit of lighting is also beneficial for desert kingsnakes. It helps them maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, which allows their body processes to regularize. You can use a LED, fluorescent, UVB, or heat-emitting bulb.
Humidity
Humidity is crucial for desert kingsnakes because it impacts their shedding habits. The recommended level is 50% to 70%. You can use water sources, such as their water dish, to maintain such levels.
Health Issues
A health issue you’re likely to face as a desert kingsnake owner is obesity. These snakes love to eat and have no sense of control when doing so. They’ll eat what is provided, even if it’s too much, thus, leading to extra weight.
Obesity is dangerous in snakes as, like humans, it affects critical organs, like the heart. Thus, make sure to feed your snake only in the recommended amounts.
Handling Them
You must be careful when handling desert kingsnakes, even if they’re docile. Doing so protects you and them.
How To Pick Up
Here are tips for picking up a desert kingsnake:
- Avoid grabbing it just by the head or tail. Go for the middle part of the body. You can also pick it up with a hand behind its head and another under its body.
- Do not grab-squeeze. Instead, be gentle but firm.
- Wash hands before and after handling.
- Do not pick up the desert kingsnake shortly after it has eaten. It could get stressed and regurgitate or vomit out its food.
- Do not pick up the desert kingsnake during shedding season.
- Make sure the place is quiet when you pick them up.
- Do not yank off the snake when it bites you. Instead, put it down gently.
Can You Train Them?
For clarity, snakes aren’t really trainable like dogs are. But you can get them to tolerate you and your handling.
In a way, desert kingsnakes can be trained to tolerate touching or handling. However, be gentle with them always. Moreover, avoid associating touch or opening the enclosure with food – it’ll make it harder to get used to being touched.
To get your kingsnake used to handling, open their enclosure every day, or at least more often than when you feed them. If you go to them only during feeding time, they’ll expect you to feed them every time the enclosure opens.
Pricing
Desert kingsnakes are priced between $150 to $300. To verify, I checked websites selling these snakes and found the following range:
- Morph Market: $100 to $800 (€94.12 to €752.97)
- Backwater Reptiles: $129.99 (€122.35)
- Snakes at Sunset: $79.99 to $199.99 (€75.29 to €188.23)
- The Serpentarium: $59.99 (€56.46)
With that, Everyday Reptiles’ estimate was accurate (the $800 snake was an outlier). However, if you get a snake, it’s best to get it from physical shops or sellers to check the animal’s condition before buying it.
