Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Generally docile
Minimum enclosure size: depending on species, 4’×2’×2’ (1.2m×.6m×.6m) up to 4’ (1.2m), add a foot (30cm) in length for each foot in snake length
Basking spot temp (surface): 90-95°F (32-35°C)
Warm side temp: 80-85°F (27-29°C)
Cold side temp: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
UVB: UVI zone 0.5-1/Ferguson zone 1 (Arcadia Shadedweller 7% at 18+” (45+cm) with no mesh or at 12+” (30+cm) over typical mesh)
Humidity: 40-60%
Diet: Carnivorous; primarily mammals as well as occasional lizards, avians and eggs
Size: varies, 24-60” (.6-1.5m)
Common hobby species: Lampropeltis getula getula (eastern kingsnake or common kingsnake), L. g. brooksi (Brooks’ kingsnake), L. g. splendida (desert kingsnake), L. g. meansi (Apalachicola kingsnake), L. g. nigrita (Mexican black kingsnake), L. g. holbrooki (speckled kingsnake), L. g. californiae (California kingsnake), L. pyromelana pyromelana (Arizona mountain kingsnake), L. p. knoblochi (Chihuahua mountain kingsnake or Madrean mountain kingsnake), L. nigrita (eastern black kingsnake), L. alterna (grey-banded kingsnake), L. calligaster calligaster (prairie kingsnake), L. c. occipitolineata (south Florida kingsnake), L. leonis / L. mexicana thayeri (variable kingsnake or Nuevo Leon kingsnake), L. ruthveni (Ruthven’s kingsnake), L. mexicana mexicana (Mexican kingsnake or San Luis Potosi kingsnake)
(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)
Other Resources: